Atrial fibrillation is an irregularly-irregular supraventricular tachycardia.
- Usually occurs in patients with dilated left atrium (CHF, mitral valve disease) and pulmonary hypertension.
- Presents with palpitations, weakness, dyspnea and presyncope on exertion.
- AF may be paroxismal (<7 days) or persistant (>7 days). Other classifications include:
- Long-standing AF (>1 year)
- Permanent (cannot be converted to sinus rhythm)
- The longer the AF lasts, the higher the chance it will becomee permanent.
- AF may lead to an intramural thrombus formation and thromboembolization, leading to stroke; anticoagulat therapy is warranted. The risk is especially high in patients with valvular disease.
Pathophysiology
- Hundreds of action potentials form in the