Atrial Fibrillation Research Paper

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Atrial Fibrilation
This is a common arrhythmia, occurring in 5-10% of patients over 65 years of age. It also occurs, particularly in a paroxysmal form, in younger patients. Any condition resulting in raised atrial pressure, increased atrial muscle mass, atrial fibrosis, or inflammation and infiltration of the atrium, may cause atrial fibrillation. There are also many systemic causes of atrial fibrillation.
Hypertension and heart failure are most often associated with non-rheumatic atrial fibrillation. Hyperthyroidism may provoke atrial fibrillation, sometimes as virtually the only feature of the disease, and thyroid function tests are mandatory in any patient with unaccounted atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation occurs in one-third of patients after coronary bypass surgery and inmore than half of those undergoing valvular surgery. It usually manifests during the first 4 days and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, largely due to stroke and circulatory failure, …show more content…
In some patients (about 30%) it is an incidental finding, whilst others attend hospital as an emergency following the onset of atrial fibrillation. Most patients experience some deterioration of exercise capacity or well-being, but this may only be appreciated once sinus rhythm is restored. When caused by rheumatic mitral stenosis, the onset of atrial fibrillation results in considerable worsening of cardiac failure. The patient has a very irregular pulse, as opposed to a basically regular pulse with an occasional irregularity (e.g. extrasystoles) or recurring irregular patterns (e.g. Wenckebach block). The irregular nature of the pulse in atrial fibrillation is maintained during exercise. The ECG shows fine oscillations of the baseline (socalled fibrillation or f waves) and no clear P waves. The QRS rhythm is rapid and irregular. Untreated, the ventricular rate is usually 120-180 per minute, but it slows with

Atrial Fibrillation Research Paper

Atrial fibrillation is an irregularly rapid heart rate caused by poor blood flow in the heart. Atrial fibrillation, also known as a fib, can cause serious complications. If not treated immediately it can lead to cardiac arrest. (who, how, and when was it discovered). A fib is caused by uncoordinated atrial activation and associated with an irregularly irregular ventricular response. What happens is the ventricles and atrium do not beat in coordination and the heart is beating very irregularly not…

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Atrial Fibrillation Research Paper

Atrial Fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia diagnosed in the United States, affecting 2.5 million people or 1% of the population (Nottingham 280). In atrial fibrillation, the electrical impulse, which causes the atria to contract, becomes disorganized and comes from all over the atria instead of originating in the sinus node. Oxford English Dictionary defines atrial fibrillation as an irregular, uncoordinated twitching or quivering (as opposed to regular contraction) of the atria of the heart…

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Atrial Fibrillation Research Paper

Introduction Atrial fibrillation is a common type of irregular or rapid heartbeat that greatly increases your risk for stroke. In atrial fibrillation, the top portions of the heart (atria) beat out of sync with the lower portions of the heart. When the atria are fibrillating, blood can pool in the heart and form clots. If a clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke. This type of stroke is preventable. Understanding atrial fibrillation and knowing how to properly manage it can prevent you from…

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