Atrial Fibrillation Flashcards
What is AF (epi)
Most common tachyarrhythmia
What are the causes of AF (…….)
PIRATES
P ulmonary Embolism I HD R heumatic Disease (stenosis, regurg) A naemia, Alcohol, Age T hyroid (hyperthyrodism) E levated BP (HTN) S epsis, surgery
In AF, where does the ectopic beat originate from
Atrial Ectopic beat ==> Pulmonary vein
What does an ectopic beat lead to?
Atria not contracting in normal manner ==> Fibrillation + irregular beats
What remains in the atria during AF?
What does this lead to
Stagnant blood (cant be pumped out)
Increased risk of clot formation + embolic stroke
What are the 3 findings in an ECG in AF
Absent P waves
Irregular RR intervals
Narrow QRS complexes
What are 3 other tests other than an ECG used in AF
Echocardiogram
Thyroid function test (TFT)
CXR
Holter Monitoring?
Ambulatory ECG
What are the 3 medical groups of treatment used in AF (Types)
Restore Rate
Restore Rhythm
Anti-coagulants
With Restore Rate, what are the 4 things that can be given
Amiodarone (anti-arrthymic)
B-blockers
Calcium channel antagonist
Digoxin (cardiac glycoside)
With Restore Rhythm, what are the 3 things that can be given
Amiodarone
B-blockers
Cardioversion
What 4 anti-coagulants can be given in AF
Warfarin
Heparin
Enoxaparin
Rivaroxaban
What are the 3 complications of AF
Stroke
MI
HF
When is cardioversion done in AF?
When there is haemodynamic instability present => inc. pulse + drop in BP
what scoring is used in AF for stroke?
CHADs-VASC score
