Atrial Fibrillation

Question 1

What is the Most common sustained arrythmia in the US?

Answer 1

Atrial Fibrillation

Question 2

That are the causes OF A-Fib

Answer 2

Atrial Enlargement
Ischemia
Toxins Metabolic Disease
Hemodynamic impairment

Supraventricular Premature

Question 3

What is the classification of Atrial Fibrillation?

Answer 3

Paroxysmal AF 1-7 days
Persistent AF >7 days
Permanent AF >1 year
Lone AF- no cardiovascular pathology. asymptomatic

Question 4

What is seen on PE of A fib?

Answer 4

Irregularly irregular pulse
Variable intensity S1
Heart Murmur 
Pulmonary Rales/rhonchi
Portahepatic Edema
Peripheral Edema
No P waves 
"F" waves

Question 5

What is the Difference Between Atrial Fib and Flutter

Answer 5

Fib: Irregularly Irregular
Flutter: Regular

Question 6

What is atrial Smoke?

Answer 6

Thicker, semi-coagulated blood that might form a clot

Question 7

Who has an increased risk of A-fib related Stroke?

Answer 7

Age >65
Hypertension
Rheumatic Heart Disease
Previous stroke or TIA
Diabetes Mellitus
CHF

Question 8

How is A-fib treated?

Answer 8

Rhythm control
-improve symptoms 
-improved hemodynamics
-red stroke risk
-avoid anticoagulation
Rate Control
-allow to fill with blood more effectively
Avoid Embolic Events

Question 9

Which heart intervention made the most difference in Mortality?

Answer 9

Controlling rate had less complications with similar improvement in mortality
RATE CONTROL IS PREFERRED METHOD

Question 10

When is Cardioversion urgent?

Answer 10

Current Myocardial Ischemia
Evidence of Hypoperfusion
Severe HF symptoms
Pre-excitation present

Question 11

What is used for Antithrombotic therapy?

Answer 11

Heparin 
Warfarin
60% reduction of risk
Aspirin
45% reduction of risk
Aspirin +Clopidogrel