#159 Atrial Fibrillation Review and Update with James Furgerson MD

Take control of atrial fibrillation with expert insights and pearls from cardiologist, Dr. James Furgerson, in this jam-packed episode! You’ll learn why atrial fibrillation is such a big deal, how to diagnose it, how to treat it and when to call in for reinforcements. Dr. James Furgerson, MD is a cardiologist from San Antonio, Texas with over 20 years in academics. Buckle up - This episode is going to send your heart racing! You might even skip a beat! Full notes at

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Credits Writer and Producer: Cyrus Askin MD Infographic: Cyrus Askin MD Cover Art: Cyrus Askin MD Hosts: Matthew Watto MD, Paul Williams MD, Cyrus Askin MD Editors: Matthew Watto MD Guest: James Furgerson MD

Time Stamps 00:00 Intro, disclaimer and guest bio 03:45 Guest one liner, a bit on physician well-being and some other randomness 08:15 A case of palpitations; risk factors for atrial fibrillation 12:17 Subclinical atrial fibrillation, overdiagnosis of afib; How much afib burden matters? 15:08 Case summary and next steps in initial work up 18:48 Counseling patient about afib and its consequences 21:40 Ischemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation 24:17 Recap of diagnosis, initial work up and risk stratification in atrial fibrillation 25:25 Rate versus rhythm control; AFFIRM trial 30:50 Strict versus lenient rate control; RACE trial 33:30 Deciding on rate versus rhythm control; Downside of antiarrhythmic therapies; When to switch from rate to rhythm control strategy 36:52 Ablation for atrial fibrillation; CASTLE-AF, CABANA trials 40:40 When to refer to cardiology and electrophysiology 42:42 Choice of agent for anticoagulation and latest guidelines for atrial fibrillation; New definition for valvular atrial fibrillation 45:22 DOACs in CKD and some other nuances in choice of agent 52:27 Bleeding and anticoagulation 58:38 Cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (initial versus delayed) 63:32 Anticoagulation before and after cardioversion 67:48 Lifestyles measures for atrial fibrillation 70:45 Atrial fibrillation during critical illness, after CABG and in hyperthyroidism 74:12 Aspirin monotherapy is not appropriate for atrial fibrillation 76:42 Take home points 78:50 Outro