DOI

10.21007/con.dnp.2024.0096

Faculty Advisor

Margaret Carrie Harvey PhD, APRN, ACNP-BC, CHFN

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Fall 11-25-2024

Disciplines

Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Cardiology | Cardiovascular Diseases | Investigative Techniques | Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing | Therapeutics

Abstract

Purpose/Background

Atrial fibrillation is considered the most common arrythmia affecting individuals globally with an estimated occurrence of 12.1 million individuals by 2030 in the US alone (Joglar et al., 2023). Recent evidence suggests lifestyle modification in combination with pharmacological therapy may decrease the overall financial and health burdens associated with atrial fibrillation (Elliot et al., 2023). The aim of this scoping review is to examine the existing literature to evaluate prescription only versus prescription and lifestyle modifications and its effect of reducing negative health outcomes and overall burden of atrial fibrillation diagnoses.

Methods

Ten articles from 2014 through 2024 were evaluated by research methods that adequately align with this scoping review and include appropriate subsets of data. Reviewing articles that compare the pharmacological versus non-pharmacological management of patients with atrial fibrillation. Including, evaluation using rapid critical appraisal and creation of overall synthesis tables to provide evidence supporting the results.

Results

Overall, the effectiveness of pharmacological and lifestyle changes was superior to reduce the burden of atrial fibrillation via reduction of thrombotic events, rate and rhythm control, and exacerbations requiring hospitalizations.

Implications for Nursing Practice

First-line treatment for patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation is medication management. Comorbidities are often not addressed as factors in this diagnosis. Atrial fibrillation expected to affect 12.1 million people globally by 2030 (Joglar et al., 2023). Uncontrolled atrial fibrillation leads to increased burdens on the patient’s health and financial system and has a significant negative impact on health and quality of life. Therefore, lifestyle modifications incorporated into treatment regimens improve overall outcomes.

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