Atrial Fibrillation

Question 1

How does an atrial fibrillation ECG look

Answer 1

Scribbles between QRS complexes.

QRS complexes at irregular intervals

Question 2

What are the risk factors for AF

Answer 2

1. CVD (hypertension, CAD, valvular disease)
2. Obesity/diabetes/excessive alcohol
   consumption
3. Genetic factors

All of these cause cells to develop different properties

Question 3

Paroxysmal AF occurs when AF comes and goes lasting less than one week. How may paroxysmal AF become persistent AF?

Answer 3

If there is atrial cell stress related Ca overload. This may cause progressive fibrosis.

Persistent AF can become long standing persistent AF if lasts over 12 months

Question 4

What are typical symptoms of AF

Answer 4

General fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, weakness and palpitations

Question 5

What is a serious complication of AF

Answer 5

Stroke

Question 6

How is AF treated

Answer 6

Medication to:

1. Control HR
2. Reduce clotting

Maybe implanted cardiac pacemaker or radio frequency catheter ablation

Question 7

What is the first investigation to be done

Answer 7

ECG - will show uneven baseline with absent P waves and irregular QRS complexes