Atrial fibrillation

Question 1

describe what atrial fibrillation(AF) is

Answer 1

disorganised electrical activity, resulting in irregular ventricular response

Question 2

describe the pulse seen in AF patients

Answer 2

an ‘irregularly irregular’ pulse

Question 3

what symptoms are seen with AF

Answer 3

palpitations, sometimes dyspnoea or chest pain

Question 4

describe the ECG of an AF patient

Answer 4

no P waves, irregularly irregular, fine oscillations of baseline(wiggly line), isoelectric line deviation

Question 5

what is meant by paroxysmal AF

Answer 5

= lasting < 48hours

Question 6

what is meant by persistent AF

Answer 6

= lasting > 48 hours

Question 7

what is meant by permanent AF

Answer 7

unable to cardiovert to normal sinus rhythm

Question 8

describe the rhythm control treatment for AF

Answer 8

DCCV(direct current cardioversion), Class I(dysopyramide) or III(amiodarone) anti-arrythmic drugs

Question 9

describe the rate control treatment for AF

Answer 9

combo of digoxin and beta blocker or verapamil(CCB), AV node ablation sometimes used

Question 10

when is anticoagulation therapy indicated in AF

Answer 10

if there is a prosthetic valve, or if CHADSVAS score > 2