Preface

Cardiovascular disease is among the most prominent health issues worldwide and remains the leading cause of death in the developed world. It has also become an increasing threat in developing countries in recent decades. It is of vital importance to increase awareness of the risk factors for this disease, and to alleviate probable challenges and complications while improving outcomes.

The medical community has witnessed major advances in cardiac biomarkers, electrocardiographic monitoring, ultrasonography/echocardiography and other bedside diagnostic tools, defibrillation, and other strategies to curb the mortality resulting from cardiac diseases in general as well as from acute and chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). Important short- and long-term complications can ensue in a patient with AF, whether or not a diagnosis has been established. Timely management of this supraventricular arrhythmia will alleviate complications attributed to AF, such as thromboembolic disease, heart failure, and others. This book aims to demonstrate advances in the diagnosis of AF and other supraventricular arrhythmias, and to delineate pathways to their optimal management. Special procedures to prevent thromboembolic complications are also covered.

The book is divided into two sections, representing diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of these diseases and special procedures pursued within the scope of the project. The chapters in **Section 1, "Principles of Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation",** examine principles of recognition and treatment of supraventricular arrhythmias both in general medical practice and in emergency medicine. The pros and cons of rhythm control strategies and prevention of thromboembolism via dual antiplatelet therapy are described.

**Section 2, "Special Procedures in the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation",** covers advanced invasive interventions, including cryoablation, vein of Marshall alcoholization, and surgical ablation, aimed at a permanent solution for supraventricular arrhythmias. Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion or closure is a procedure that blocks the LAA opening to prevent thromboembolism in selected susceptible patients.

The book not only focuses on atrial arrhythmias but also provides invaluable opinions and advice on the management of cardiac emergencies for both the general readership and specialists. The medical community is sure to find the contents useful both in acute settings and in the interventional laboratory.
