Cardiac Pathology

Question 1

Pathology behind AF, 3 key points

Answer 1

1) Single circuit re-entry and/or ectopic foci act as aberrant generators producing atrial tachy (350-600bpm)
2) Impulses then conduct irregularly across atrial myocardium to give rise to fibrillation
3) May be associated with thromboembolic events

Question 2

What are the consequences of AF? There are 3 key ones ;)

Answer 2

1) AV node irregularly filters incoming atrial impulses producing an irregular ventricular response
2) This leads to reduced CO
3) Fibrilatory conduction of the atria promotes blood stasis, increasing risk of thrombus formation
4) AF is an important RF for stroke