British journal of hospital medicine
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Atrial fibrillation is a common rhythm disorder but is frequently not managed aggressively. Cardioversion to sinus rhythm is beneficial and has a high success rate. It should be considered in all patients with atrial fibrillation.
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Review
Benefits and risks of thrombolytic, anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies in atrial fibrillation.
The decision whether to anticoagulate is a common dilemma when faced with a patient with atrial fibrillation. This article reviews the role of warfarin and antiplatelet agents and recommends a rational approach to the management of this condition.
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The NHS cannot deliver full comprehensive health care to all the population. In this article the need to define a range of basic health services is emphasized. Agreement on priorities requires ethical, economic and clinical debate.
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Elective tracheostomy is commonly performed on patients in intensive care units who require assisted ventilation for more than 1-2 weeks. Percutaneous dilatational techniques have recently been developed which allow tracheostomies to be performed at the bedside. These compare favourably with conventional techniques.