Atrial fibrillation: a revolution in the treatment of the commonest cardiac arrhythmia

by Dr Panayiotis Avraamides, Clinical Professor, UNIC Medical School

Introduction by Dr Persoulla Nicolaou, Associate Professor | Associate Dean for Students | MD Programme Director

BRIEF SUMMARY

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common heart condition affecting over 59 million people worldwide. With 1 in 4 individuals over 45 at risk, AF significantly impacts quality of life and increases the risk of premature death, stroke, heart failure and dementia. This lecture will present the latest advancements in AF management, from innovative treatments like novel anticoagulants and revolutionary ablation methods, to the growing role of digital wearable technologies (smart watches) in detecting and preventing complications.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Panayiotis Avraamides is Clinical Professor of Cardiology at the University of Nicosia Medical School, Consultant Cardiologist at the University of Nicosia Medical Centre and Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist at El Greco Medical Centre, Nicosia. Prof Avraamides trained in medicine and cardiology in the UK. He graduated from University College London with MBBS and BSc (Hons) Physiology.

Prof Avraamides is former Director of the Cardiology Department and former Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist at Nicosia General Hospital. He is a highly experienced physician, having performed tens of thousands of cardiac catheterisations, coronary and structural interventions, pacemaker and defibrillator implantations, as well as electrophysiological studies including atrial fibrillation ablation. He has pioneered many such interventions, having been the first to perform them in Cyprus. In the field of atrial fibrillation, he was the first to introduce and perform the latest revolutionary technology of Pulsed Field Ablation. He founded the first electrophysiology laboratory at Nicosia General Hospital, which became the main referral centre for atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmia ablation and treatment.

Prof Avraamides is current Secretary and past President of the Cyprus Working Group on Cardiac Arrhythmias, Pacing and Electrophysiology. He has been honoured by election to the Fellowship of major professional associations including the Royal College of Physicians of London (FRCP Lon), the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (FRCP Edin), the European Society of Cardiology (FESC), the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (FEACVI), the American College of Cardiology (FACC), the American Heart Association (FAHA), the American Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions (FSCAI) and the American Heart Rhythm Society (FHRS).