Clinical significance of atrial fibrillation after myocardial infarction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and has been associated with increased risk of mortality, heart failure and stroke. In this article, we evaluate a recent publication investigating the relationship between new-onset AF and clinical outcome after AMI in a community-based cohort. This study shows that the occurrence of AF portends increased risk for mortality after AMI. The findings are discussed in the context of current knowledge on the clinical implications and treatment strategies of AF in the setting of acute coronary syndromes.