Among patients hospitalized with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), overall rates of atrial fibrillation (AF) and mortality from it decreased between 2000 and 2007, according to a study from Massachusetts.  Despite the findings, investigators noted that AF still exerts a significant adverse effect on survival among patients hospitalized with an ACS. Improving the identification and treatment of ACS patients who have AF or are at risk for it may reduce the incidence and resultant complications of the dysrhythmia.

Abstract: American Journal of Medicine, November 2012.