Atrial Fibrillation Flashcards
What is atrial fibrillation (AF).
Disorganized atrial activity.
What is the result of AF.
An irregular ventricular response.
What are some cardiac causes of AF. (6)
Ischaemic heart disease. Myocardial infarction. Mitral stenosis. Atrial septal defect. Hypertension. Rheumatic heart disease.
What are some respiratory causes of AF. (4)
Lung disease.
Hypoxia.
Pulmonary embolus.
Pneumonia.
What is an endocrine causes of AF.
Thyrotoxicosis.
What are some metabolic causes of AF. (2)
Hypercapnia. Metabolic abnormalities (los potassium, los magnesium).
What is an infective cause of AF.
Sepsis.
What is a lifestyle cause of AF. (3)
Alcohol.
Caffeine.
Post operative.
What are the symptoms of AF. (7)
Asymptomatic. Chest pain. Palpitations. Dizziness. Dyspnoea. Faintness. Heart failure.
What are the clinical signs of AF. (5)
Irregularly irregular pulse.
With or without haemodynamic compromise.
Apical pulse is greater than the radial rate.
S1 varies in intensity.
Signs of LVF may be present.
What is the principal investigation for AF. (2)
ECG.
Also investigations into the underlying cause.
What is the ECG finding in AF. (2)
Irregularly irregular rhythm.
Absent P waves.
What is the treatment for chronic AF. (5)
Treatment of underlying cause. Rate control. Rhythm control. Anticoagulation. DC cardioversion to return to sinus rhythm.
What drugs are used to rate control a patient with AF. (4)
Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are the first choice.
Digoxin.
Diltiazem.
Amiodarone.
What drugs are used to rhythm control a patient with AF. (3)
Amiodarone.
Flecainide.
Sotalol.