atrial fibrillation

Question 1

what is atrial fib a subtype of

Answer 1

supraventricular tachyarrhythmia

Question 2

what characterized atrial fib?

Answer 2

rapid uncoordinated atrial activation >300-500bpm

Question 3

what is consequence of atrial fib?

Answer 3

atria can’t keep up with it

Question 4

what are 2 key requirements for atrial fib

Answer 4

1. trigger - ectopic foci in pulm vein

2. substrate - susceptible atrial myocardium

Question 5

what are 3 conditions for reentry

Answer 5

1. unidirectional block
2. slowed conduction
3. functional arc of block

Question 6

5 ways of facilitating possibility of reentry

Answer 6

1. stretch stress
2. dilatation and fibrosis
3. genetic predisposition - gaps jct mutations
4. inflammation
5. remodelling after previous fibs

Question 7

3 outcomes for A fibs

Answer 7

1. paroxysmal - stops on its own
2. persisitent - can stop with defib
3. permanent

Question 8

4 consequences of A fibs

Answer 8

1. loss of atrial kick
2. irreg rhythms - filling probs
3. reduced coronary art. filling - ischemia
4. increased vent. firing

Question 9

what do you see on ECG for a fibs

Answer 9

lots of irregular bumps between vent.

Question 10

what is differenc between fib and flutter on ECG

Answer 10

flutter will have more dicrete and regular rhythms

Question 11

what causes a flutter

Answer 11

reentry of pulse in the septal wall

Question 12

2 conditions that promote a fibs

Answer 12

1. atrial dilatations

2. atrial fibrosis

Question 13

7 risk factors for fibs

Answer 13

1. AGE
2. hypertension
3. metabolic factors - hyperthyroidism
4. previous surgery
5. valvular heart disease
6. mechanical problems
7. pulmonary conditions

Question 14

what is clinical presentation of A fibs

Answer 14

30 no symptoms

• palpitations
• congestive heart failure