Atrial Fibrilation Flashcards
1
Q
What is atrial fibrillation?
A
an abnormal heart rhythm characterised by rapid and irregular beating
2
Q
What are the structural abnormalities?
A
- dilated atria
- fibrosis of the atrial muscle
3
Q
What are the physiological abnormalities?
A
-the sinus node is overwhelmed by disorganised atrial electrical discharge
4
Q
What causes atrial fibrillation?
A
- hypertension
- primary heart diseases
- lung diseases (pneumonia, lung cancer, pulmonary embolism)
- excessive alcohol consumption
- hyperthyroidism
- heart failure
5
Q
Experienced signs and symptoms
A
- palpitations
- tired and/or breathless with exercise
- angina
- ankle swelling
- irregular pulse
6
Q
Why does atrial fibrillation cause ankle swelling?
A
?
7
Q
Abnormal test results
A
?
8
Q
Medical/surgical intervention
A
- rate control (slowing to prevent palpitations and improve efficiency)
- rate control by drugs (amiodarone) or electrical shock (Direct current cardioversion) to make beat more normal
9
Q
Primary and secondary prevention
A
- treatment of diseases that cause atrial fibrillation
- avoiding excess alcohol and stimulants
- prevent formation of blood clots and embolisation in atrium using warfarin, occasionally use aspirin as an alternative (less effective)
