(11 September 2017) Modena Cardiology protagonist of the European Congress which took place in Barcelona at the end of August. Professor Giuseppe Boriani, director of the Cardiology Complex Structure of the Hospital-University of Modena, and the Cardiology professor of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, presented the data of the European Register of atrial fibrillation of which he is coordinator. "At the European Registry on Atrial Fibrillation, more than 11,000 patients have been included, including 255 of our Cardiology, which has made a fundamental contribution to the Italian case register", explained Prof. Boriani. The theme of atrial fibrillation was one of the central issues dealt with at the European Society of Cardiology Conference, the most important scientific event in the field, which saw about 32,000 participants from all over the world. Atrial fibrillation is the most common heartbeat disorder and is frequent over 65 years of age becoming more frequent over 75-80 years. The importance of this beat alteration stems from the risk of forming thrombi within the heart and which can "migrate" to the brain resulting in a stroke with severe consequences. "The recognition of the presence of atrial fibrillation and the establishment of anticoagulant therapy is able to avoid this risk" added the well-known cardiologist in Modena. (Red)

ABOUT / THE PATHOLOGY

Atrial fibrillation may be insidious, being present in the absence of symptoms (swelling, sudden tiredness, breathing difficulties) but with the same risk of embolic complications. Periodic monitoring of heart rate by pulse control, or with appropriate pressure control devices or directly with the electrocardiogram is therefore indicated in subjects at potential risk of presenting this stroke alteration. This screening activity is now included in major European Society of Cardiology papers published in important scientific journals, with an important role played by Modena Cardiology in promoting this scientific activity. Modena's Cardiology Institute has established a specific outpatient clinic for patients with atrial fibrillation and screening activities are being promoted by the Italian Association of Arrhythmia AIAC, of which the national president is Professor Giuseppe Boriani.