Atrial Fibrilation (NC)

Question 1

What does atrial fibrillation look like on an ECG?

Answer 1

Between QRS complexes is squiggly lines - the atrium twitching
Irregularly irregular rhythm
Usually high rates: 100-175bpm

Question 2

What are the risk factors of atrial fibrillation?

Answer 2

Happens alongside Cardiovascular diseases:
Hypertension
Coronary artery disease
Valvular disease

Non-cardiovascular:
Obesity
Diabetes
Excessive alcohol consumption
Genetics

Basically anything that can create an inflammatory state and physically stretch out atria and damage cells in the atria

Question 3

What is paroxysmal AF (events)?

Answer 3

AF that comes and goes - usually <1 week
Tissue still relatively healthy
Self-terminates (sorts itself out)

Question 4

What is persistent AF caused by?

Answer 4

Stress (calcium overload) from Paroxysmal AF leading to progressive fibrosis (scaring) out atrial cells

Question 5

What is persistent AF?

Answer 5

AF lasting >1 week (weeks to months) without self-terminating

Question 6

What is longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation?

Answer 6

AF lasting >12 months

Question 7

Symptoms of AF?

Answer 7

General fatigue - delivering blood less effective to tissues
Dizziness
SOB
Weakness
Palpitations (thumping in chest)

Question 8

How can AF cause stroke?

Answer 8

Atrial don’t contract as unit so blood in atria becomes stagnant
This can form a clot
Blood clot travels to body/brain
Cutting of blood flow to that part of brain = stroke

Question 9

How can persistant and paroxysmal AF be diagnosed?

Answer 9

Persistant:
ECG
Paroxysmal:
Holster monitor - portable device, monitors rhythm and records episodes

Question 10

What is the treatments?

Answer 10

Medication to control HR and reduce clotting
Implantable Pacemaker to constantly pace atrium
Radiofrequency catheter ablation - Areas of tissue destroyed so electrical signal doesn’t propagate anymore
- type of RFA:
Maze procedure: new pathways created to allow electrical signals to be sent in a more predictable and consistent pattern
AV node ablation: cutting off communication between atriums and ventricles, these patients need pacemaker as ventricles receive no signals

Question 11

What is atrial fibrillation of type of?

Answer 11

Supraventricular tachycardia
As well as: atrial flutter and ectopic (premature ventricular complexes PVCs) atrial tachycardia