Atrial Fibrillation Research Paper

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Pages: 3

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, typically associated with irregular and often rapid ventricular contraction (“atrial”). Due to the high prevalence of this disease, people should have an awareness of it. Looking at the cause or risks, symptoms, and treatment options will provide a better understanding of this disease. There are three classifications of atrial fibrillation. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation comes and goes, lasting less than seven days at a time. Persistent atrial fibrillation lasts longer than seven days and requires treatment to restore sinus rhythm. Finally, permanent atrial fibrillation is long-standing and treatment is usually …show more content…
Medical disorders, which may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, include cardiomyopathy, congenital heat disease, coronary heart disease, diabetes, heart failure, hypertension, and valvular heart disease (Richards 49). Potentially reversible causes of atrial fibrillation include surgical intervention, acute pulmonary disease, thyroid disease, infection, recreational drug misuse, excessive alcohol intake and autonomic nervous system sensitivity (Skinner 60). In these cases, when the cause is stopped or treated the atrial fibrillation can self terminate. Sometimes there is no known cause. These cases may be the result of an unknown genetic