Atrial Fibrillation
February 15th, 2021
Overview
Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac arrhythmia that originates from an ectopic atrial focus.
Look For
- Ventricular rate 100-180bpm (may be <100 with block or medications)
- Irregular rhythm
- No P waves, with oscillating baseline waves
Classification
- Paroxysmal AF - occurring for <7 days
- Persistent AF - occurring for >7 days
- Permanent AF - long-standing despite attempts at cardioversion
Mechanism
- Atrial fibrillation occurs due rapid impulse generation by an ectopic atrial focus, most commonly adjacent to or within the pulmonary vein orifices. Once atrial fibrillation has commenced it is maintained by abnormalities within atrial tissue, such as atrial remodelling.
Causes of Atrial Fibrillation
- Severe acute illness - especially in septic or postoperative patients
- Cardiac - post cardiac surgery, myocardial infarction, valvular disease, cardiomyopathy, congestive cardiac failure, congenital heart disease, Wolff-Parkinson-White
- Cardiovascular risk factors - hypertension, diabetes, obesity
- Pulmonary embolism
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Alcohol abuse
Diagnostic Tests
- ECG - single ECG or continuous inpatient monitoring
- Holter monitor (24-48 hours)
- External loop recorder
- Implanted loop recorder
Next Page
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------