Atrial Fibrillation Flashcards
What is AF?
AF is characterised by its irregularly irregular rhythm as seen on the ECG
What is happening in AF?
Rather than the coordinated singular electrical pathway from the SA node to the AV node there are multiple foci firing in the atria. This chaotic electrical firing causes the irregularity seen on the ECG.
What can happen in AF?
Due to poor atrial contraction blood can pool into the atria and mural thrombi can develop due to the blood stasis. These are small pieces of thrombi that adhere to the atrial wall and may dislodge causing vessel occlusion.
What do AF medications do?
Work by trying to help stabilise electrical impulses within the heart.
What do beta blockers do in AF?
Block the effects of adrenaline and other related hormones on the heart to slow the heart date down. This helps to control irregular rhythms
Help by slowing the heart rate down
What beta blockers can patients be put on for AF?
Bisoprolol, atenolol, carvedilol
What are the two calcium channel blocker medication used for AF?
Diltiazem and verapamil
Why can Amiodarone be given to people with AF?
Used to treat or prevent heart rhythm disorders. It slows down overreactive electric signals in the heart which helps to stabilize the heart rhythm. Thus drug is a last resort as it has severe side effects that could lead to long term issues.
Why are calcium channel blockers used to treat AF?
CCB can be used as a part of a rate or rhythm control strategy. Work by reducing the movement of calcium into the AV node and in the arteries and veins. This causes the force and rate of the hearts contractions to decrease. This relaxes the arteries and then reduces the BP.
