Atrial fibrillation in heart failure.

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are highly prevalent debilitating conditions that often coexist and are frequently encountered in clinical practice. The presence of chronic AF is a marker of worse prognosis in patients with HF, and the onset of new AF in those with chronic HF is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Advances in the development of novel drugs, nonpharmacologic modalities, and therapeutic strategies, as well the increased understanding of the pathobiology of HF and AF, are key to mitigating the tremendous public health burden that is associated with these conditions.