Atrial Fibrillation and COPD: Shared Pathways and Implications for Cardiovascular Health

Atrial Fibrillation and COPD: Shared Pathways and Implications for Cardiovascular Health
Prof. Dr. Nina Ajmone Marsan, Leiden, The Netherlands
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is present in up to 23% of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), a prevalence double as in the general population. Also, COPD patients have a 20-30% increased risk of AF, which further increases along with decrease in pulmonary function, frequent exacerbations, and left atrial dilatation.
Overall, the diagnosis and treatment of COPD in AF patients is of crucial clinical importance and necessitates a close interdisciplinary collaboration and a structured follow-up. Treatment of the underlying conditions and risk factors should also be pursued. This implies also continuous patient education: it is crucial that patients understand how lifestyle management can contribute to improving clinical outcomes.
This session is part of the webinar series Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation: a risky couple, even more, when the family expands, which started on 15 March 2023 and will last till 20 September 2023. As a closure, there will be a live Meet-the-Expert session on the 18th of October 2023 - at 17.00 CEST. For viewing the series: bit.ly/3odxbEX