Thromboembolism or Atherothromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation?

Reply to “The relation between flow mediated dilation and atrial fibrillation” by S. Balta

“…Balta et al are concerned of FMD reproducibility and the coexistence of inflammation, which could affect FMD independently from AF. Our finding is in keeping with previous data indicating that AF patients are characterized by an atherosclerotic burden [2] which confer increased risk of CVE, including myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death [3]. Endothelial dysfunction represents one of the major and early determinants for the development of atherosclerosis and its complications [2].…”

Flow-mediated dilation is associated with cardiovascular events in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients

“…AF patients are also characterized by an atherosclerotic burden [5], with a high prevalence of atherosclerotic risk factors such as arterial hypertension, diabetes, obesity and dyslipidemia [5]. The presence of multiple atherosclerotic risk factors is common in AF patients and may predispose to the occurrence of AF itself [5].…”

“…The presence of multiple atherosclerotic risk factors is common in AF patients and may predispose to the occurrence of AF itself [5]. In fact, prospective studies demonstrated that patients with risk factors for atherosclerosis are more prone to experiencing this arrhythmia [6,7].…”

Myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation: Different impact of anti-IIa vs anti-Xa new oral anticoagulants

“…Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cause of cardiac arrhythmia and is known to be associated with both thromboembolic and cardiovascular events [1]. In the last years vitamin K antagonists (VKA), such as warfarin and acenocumarol, represented the cornerstone of anticoagulant therapy in AF [2].…”