Enjoy this Curbsiders classic and stay tuned this Wednesday, July 9, 2021 for a brand new Afib Triple Distilled episode. 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!  Episodes | Subscribe | Spotify | Swag! | Top Picks | Mailing List | [email protected]  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   Sponsor: American College of Physicians acponline.org/100curb ACP CME 100 virtual video package includes 100 hours of practice-changing updates by expert faculty from Internal Medicine Meeting 2021 acponline.org/100CURB. Plus enjoy an exclusive: 25 bonus CME sessions and access until June 1, 2024! Sponsor: Panacea Financial panaceafinancial.com Visit panaceafinancial.com today to open your account and join a bank built with you in mind.  Time Stamps* *Note: Time stamps refer to ad-free version  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 atrial fibrillation; How much afib burden matters?  15:08 Case summary and next steps in initial work up 18:48 Counseling patient about atrial fibrillation 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