Atrial Fibrillation

Question 1

What is an arrhythmia?

Answer 1

an abnormal heart rate and/or rhythm

Question 2

What is atrial fibrillation?

Answer 2

an arrhythmia, irregular, tachycardic contractions of the atria and ventricles

Question 3

What are risk factors for afib?

Answer 3

anything that damages the atria:

• age (degeneration)
• hypertension
• valvular disease
• previous afib
• respiratory diseases like COPD place increase stress on the heart

Question 4

What are signs and symptoms of afib?

Answer 4

triad:

1) SOB
2) lightheadedness
3) palpitations

Question 5

What test is important to diagnose afib?

Answer 5

ECG

Question 6

How is afib managed?

Answer 6

• may need cardioversion or defibrillation (for ventricular fibrillation, pulseless ventricular tachycardia)

drugs to control the rate and decrease the risk of complications:

• sodium channel blockers
• potassium channel blockers
• calcium channel blockers
• beta blockers
• antiplatelets
• anticoagulants
• positive inotrope