Atrial Fibrillation Flashcards
State the signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation.
Irregular palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, syncope, weakness.
What are the cardinal symptoms of atrial fibrillation?
Irregular palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
What are the most common risk factors for atrial fibrillation?
Age >65, hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease (especially mitral), hyperthyroidism, alcohol use, obesity.
What is the first-line diagnostic test for atrial fibrillation?
Electrocardiogram (ECG), showing an irregularly irregular rhythm without distinct P waves.
What other diagnostic tests are used for atrial fibrillation?
Echocardiogram (to assess structural heart disease), thyroid function tests, chest X-ray, Holter monitor.
What is the management for atrial fibrillation?
Rate control (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers), rhythm control (antiarrhythmic drugs or cardioversion), anticoagulation therapy (e.g., warfarin, DOACs).
What is the goal of rate control in atrial fibrillation?
To control the ventricular rate and prevent tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.
What is the role of anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation?
To reduce the risk of thromboembolism and stroke.
What anticoagulants are used in atrial fibrillation?
Warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, edoxaban.
When is rhythm control preferred in atrial fibrillation?
When symptoms persist despite rate control, in younger patients, or in those with new-onset AF.
What is the role of cardioversion in atrial fibrillation management?
Electrical or pharmacological cardioversion is used to restore sinus rhythm in patients with persistent or symptomatic AF.
What is the CHA2DS2-VASc score?
A clinical tool used to assess stroke risk in atrial fibrillation (score ≥2 indicates the need for anticoagulation).
What does the CHA2DS2-VASc score stand for?
Chronic heart failure (1), Hypertension (1), Age ≥75 years (2), Diabetes mellitus (1), Stroke/TIA history (2), Vascular disease (1), Age 65-74 years (1), Sex category (female = 1).
What is the role of ablation in atrial fibrillation?
Ablation (catheter or surgical) may be considered for patients with symptomatic AF who do not respond to medication.
What is the main complication of atrial fibrillation?
Stroke, due to the formation of thrombi in the left atrial appendage.
What are the symptoms of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation?
Acute onset of weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, or visual disturbances (suggesting ischemic stroke).
What is the role of the left atrial appendage closure in atrial fibrillation?
An option for stroke prevention in patients who are contraindicated for long-term anticoagulation.
What is the management for a patient with new-onset atrial fibrillation?
Rate control (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers), anticoagulation based on CHA2DS2-VASc score, rhythm control if necessary.
What is the management for a patient with atrial fibrillation and heart failure?
Rate control with beta-blockers or digoxin, and anticoagulation; consider rhythm control or catheter ablation.
What are the complications of atrial fibrillation?
Stroke, thromboembolism, heart failure, tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, increased mortality.
