Expert Perspectives on Managing Atrial Fibrillation:
Update on the Essentials

Wednesday, October 7, 2009
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Civista Medical Center | La Plata, MD

Sponsored by the Heart Rhythm Society, Cheney Cardiovascular Institute and Civista Health, attendees benefitted from first-rate knowledge of the guidelines and a synopsis of cutting-edge developments for treatment of AF.

Program Highlights

Topics covered in this program included:

• Anticoagulation and stroke prevention (including new devices and cardioversion)
• Heart failure in AF
• Appropriate selection and endpoints for antiarrhythmic drug therapy
• Patient selection and techniques surrounding catheter ablation to cure AF

Target Audience

This program is intended for:

• Internists
• Hospitalists
• Cardiologists
• Primary care physicians
• Physician assistants
• Nurse practitioners

Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate awareness of the existence of the CHADS2 risk index for assessment of stroke risk in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
• Calculate a CHADS2 risk score for assessment of stroke risk in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
• Employ CHADS2 results in making management decisions for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
• Associate patients with algorithm categories for Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm
• Select appropriate pharmacotherapy (including antiarrhythmic therapy) for patients with AF characterized by minimal to no heart disease; hypertension with substantial LVH; hypertension without substantial LVH; CAD
• Refer patients to EPs for consultation when appropriate
• Identify appropriate anticoagulation strategies prior to and following cardioversion
• Provide anticoagulation therapy for the appropriate period before and after cardioversion

Faculty

Cynthia M. Tracy, MD
George Washington University Medical Center

Jeffrey Trabb, MD
Chesapeake & Washington Heart Care, PC

Disclosure of Faculty's Commercial Relationship(s)

Faculty Disclosures (12KB, PDF)

It is the policy of the Heart Rhythm Society to ensure balance, independent objectivity, and scientific rigor in all its sponsored educational programs. All faculty members participating in continuing medical education activities are required to disclose to the program audience any real or apparent conflict of interest related to the content of their presentations. In accordance with the ACCME's Standards for Commercial Support of Continuing Medical Education, all faculty and planning partners must disclose any financial relationship(s) or other relationship(s) held within the past 12 months. The Heart Rhythm Society implements a mechanism to identify and resolve all conflicts of interest prior to delivering the educational activity to learners.

Accreditation

The Heart Rhythm Society is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

The Heart Rhythm Society designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The AMA has determined that physicians not licensed in the USA who participate in this CME activity are eligible for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.

Disclaimer

This program provides a forum for the open exchange and discussion of research results and scientific advancements in the field of cardiovascular pacing and electrophysiology; however, the Society makes no representation or warranty as to the truth, originality, or accuracy of the information presented in this program or in materials distributed in connection with them. Nor are the views expressed by the individual speakers necessarily the views of the Society. The Heart Rhythm Society supports the ACCME policy on evidence-based content and encourages faulty to adhere to these standards when planning a presentation.

The Heart Rhythm Society, the Cheney Cardiovascular Institute and Civista Health wish to thank the following organizations for their generous support of this educational activity:

Copyright © 2009 Heart Rhythm Society