Atrial fibrillation

Question 1

How to recognise Atrial fibrillation?

Answer 1

• Fibrillating baseline
• No defined P-wave
• Irregularly irregular ventricular rate

Question 2

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Answer 2

Irregular depolarisation of the atria with sporadic activation of the ventricles.

The atria is always contracting quickly however the ventricles rate of contraction is variable.

Question 3

What leads is Atrial fibrillation present in?

Answer 3

All leads

Question 4

Signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation?

Answer 4

• Palpitations
• fatigue
• shortness of breath
• Angina symptoms
• SEVERE CASES- Altered mental status

Question 5

Significance of atrial fibrillation?

Answer 5

• If no symptoms check to see if the patient has already been diagnoses with Atrial fibrillation.
• If the patient has not already been diagnosed try and determine the cause of the Atrial fibrillation.

Question 6

What can the fibrillating atria in atrial fibrillation increase the risk of?

Answer 6

clot formation leading to an increased risk of stroke.

Question 7

Causes of atrial fibrillation?

Answer 7

Pulmonary embolism
Ischemia
Respiratory disease
Atrial enlargement (Myxoma)
Thyroid disease
Ethanol
Sepsis / sleep apnoea