Atrial Fibrillation AF Flashcards
1
Q
What anatomical features are affected in Atrial fibrillation
A
- both atria
- pulmonary veins, left atrial junction
2
Q
A
3
Q
What physiological features of the heart are affected in atrial fibrillation
A
- pacemaker activity
- conduction of electrical depolarisation via the atrium
- stimulation of electrical ventricular activity
4
Q
Structural substrates/abnormalities if AF
A
- dilated atria
- fibrosis of the atrial muscle
5
Q
Physiological abnormalities in AF
A
- arrhythmogenic environment eg: electrolyte imbalance or sepsis
- ectopic activity form pulmonary veins surroundings
6
Q
A
7
Q
Risk factors for AF
A
- Hypertension
- coronary artery disease
- excessive alcohol consumption
- hyperthyroidism
- heart failure
8
Q
Symptoms of AF
A
- Palpitations (awareness of fast HB or irregular)
- fatigue
- breathlessness with exercise
- chest tightness (angina)
- ankle swelling (oedema)
9
Q
Clinical signs of AF
A
- pulse is irregularly irregular
- underlying cause signs - heart murmurs, weight loss with overactive thyroid
10
Q
Abnormal test results with AF
A
- abnormal ECG shows irregularly irregular pulse
11
Q
What ways can AF be controlled
A
Rate control
Rhythm control
12
Q
How is rate controlled in AF
A
- beta blockers
- calcium channel blockers
- digoxin
- heart to be slowed down, prevent symptoms of palpitations
13
Q
Why does rhythm need to be controlled in AF
A
- to covert heart rhythm back to normal
- regulate pacemaker rhythm
14
Q
How is rate controlled in AF
A
- amiodarone
- Direct Current (shock) cardioversion
- electrical isolation of pulmonary veins by catheter abalation or surgery
15
Q
Primary prevention of AF
A
- prevention and treatment of diseases causing AF eg: HBP
- avoidance of alcohol and caffeine and nicotine
- prevention of blood clots in atrium by oral anticoag or warfarin
16
Q
A
17
Q
A
