Importance (and unimportance) of Atrial Contraction

Question 1

An arrhythmia associated with loss of an atrial “kick” is also known as?

Answer 1

Atrial fibrillation

Question 2

What exactly is happening in atrial fibrillation?

Answer 2

Chaotic electrical activity from every direction (500 signals per minute) is signaling the atria, which prevents the atria to contract synchronously.

Question 3

What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation? (assume there are no other problems)

Answer 3

No symptoms or sensation of an irregular or rapid heartbeat.

Question 4

What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation if the patient also has compromised myocardium?

Answer 4

Reduction of cardiac output, onset of heart failure, or shock

Question 5

Treatment for atrial fibrillation includes?

Answer 5

No treatment. High risk for atrial thrombosis, cerebral embolism, and stroke, however.