Shared Decision-Making and Comprehensive Atrial Fibrillation Management

A comprehensive atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment should aim to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. There are four main areas that need to be addressed in the treatment of AF: prevention of systemic thromboembolism, ventricular rate control, sinus rhythm restoration and maintenance, and risk factors modification. With the increasing evidence supporting several treatment strategies in atrial fibrillation management, clinicians must consider individualized treatment recommendations and shared decision-making with each patient. AF management after LAAC remains largely the same but with some important considerations in regard to catheter ablation. This chapter will address important aspects of the multidisciplinary approach to the AF patient.