"The CHA2DS2-VASc score is an interesting score because, depending on how you implement it, women can never have a score of zero," he added. "In fact, there are data out of Europe in the last year that the risk of stroke in women [with AF] is really quite low for those under 65."
As with the 2006 guidelines, the new document emphasizes an increased role for using radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of AF. This reflects the continued evolution of the technology as an AF therapy, Dr. January said. As a result, RF ablation will be increasingly used for AF treatment, particularly in symptomatic patients.
The work of the writing committee was supported exclusively by the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the Heart Rhythm Society without commercial support. Dr. January and his coauthors reported no relevant industry relationships.