Introduction

Br J Cardiol 2016;23(suppl 2):S1–S12doi:10.5837/bjc.2016.s02 Leave a comment
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Sponsorship Statement: This supplement was commissioned and funded by Bayer. A medical writer was used to write this article which was developed following interviews with a number of clinicians and nurses who were not paid for their contribution. Xarelto (rivaroxaban) prescribing information can be found here. UKXAR07160212 Date of preparation: October 2016

Multiple clinical risk factors, electrocardiographic/echocardiographic features and biochemical markers are associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). AF poses a significant challenge from a public health perspective as it is associated with a four- to five-fold increased risk of stroke. The aim of treatment is to prevent stroke and alleviate symptoms.

Screen shot 2016-08-31 at 15.29.35Drug therapies include anticoagulants to reduce the risk of stroke and anti-arrhythmics to restore/maintain the normal heart rhythm or slow the heart rate in patients who remain in AF. Non-pharmacological management options include electrical cardioversion, which may be used to ‘shock’ the heart back to its normal rhythm.

The high risk of stroke associated with electrical cardioversion can be reduced by oral anticoagulation. Although effective in reducing the risk of thromboembolism, the limitations of warfarin present considerable challenges for its use in clinical practice. The challenges of maintaining warfarin within an appropriate therapeutic range combined with increased bleeding risk may contribute to issues with long-term treatment compliance.

Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety profiles with warfarin for thromboprophylaxis in non-valvular AF patients undergoing cardioversion.

It is important that local arrangements for use of antithrombotic therapies in non-valvular AF should be reviewed and policies developed for integration of NOACs into the care pathways. Primary care prescribing of NOACs needs local leadership and, as the AF ‘epidemic’ continues to increase, local anticoagulant ‘champions’ will be required to take the lead.

This supplement, which has been initiated and funded by Bayer looks at developments in the use of oral anticoagulants in direct current cardioversion. It has been written by a medical writer with national insight gained from:

  • Craig Barr – Consultant Cardiologist, The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley
  • Evaun Teoh – Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist, St George’s Hospital, London
  • Shaumik Adhya – Clinical Lead for Cardiology, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Medway
Disclaimer: Medinews Cardiology Limited advises healthcare professionals to consult up-to-date Prescribing Information and the full Summary of Product Characteristics available from the manufacturers before prescribing any product. Medinews Cardiology Limited cannot accept responsibility for any errors in prescribing which may occur.

The opinions, data and statements that appear are those of the contributors. The publishers, editors, and members of the editorial board do not necessarily share the views expressed herein. Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy and avoid mistakes, no liability on the part of the publisher, editors, the editorial board or their agents or employees is accepted for the consequences of any inaccurate or misleading information. © Medinews (Cardiology) Ltd 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers, Medinews (Cardiology) Ltd.
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