Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risk for stroke and systemic embolism. There is plausible evidence linking inflammation to the initiation and perpetuation of AF and AF-related thrombosis. Various inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-2, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8) have been associated with AF. Proposed mechanisms linking inflammation and the prothrombotic AF state include endothelial activation/damage, production of tissue factor from monocytes, increased platelet activation, and increased expression of fibrinogen. The present review aims to provide an update on the association of inflammation and AF, including the impact of inflammatory markers on clinical presentation and outcome of AF patients.

The pilot mAFA Trial is the first prospective randomized trial of Mobile Health technology in patients with atrial fibrillation, demonstrating that the mAF App, integrating clinical decision support, education, and patient-involvement strategies, significantly improved knowledge, drug adherence, quality of life, and anticoagulation satisfaction.

The consensus of the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) on stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) has been published in 2017 which provided useful clinical guidance for cardiologists, neurologists, geriatricians, and general practitioners in the Asia-Pacific region. In these years, many important new data regarding stroke prevention in AF were reported. The practice guidelines subcommittee members comprehensively reviewed updated information on stroke prevention in AF, and summarized them in this 2021 focused update of the 2017 consensus guidelines of the APHRS on stroke prevention in AF. We highlighted and focused on several issues, including the importance of the AF Better Care pathway, the advantages of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for Asians, the considerations of use of NOACs for Asian AF patients with single one stroke risk factor beyond gender, the role of lifestyle factors on stroke risk, the use of oral anticoagulants during the “coronavirus disease 2019” pandemic, etc. We fully realize that there are gaps, unaddressed questions, and many areas of uncertainty and debate in the current knowledge of AF, and the physician's decision remains the most important factor in the management of AF.