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Cardiovascular > Atrial fibrillation > Flashcards

Atrial fibrillation Flashcards

1
Q

Define paroxysmal AF

A

Episodes lasting > 30 seconds but < 7 days (often < 48h) that are self-terminating and recurrent

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2
Q

Define persistent AF

A

Episodes lasting > 7 days or < 7 days but require pharmacological or electrical cardioversion

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3
Q

Define permanent AF

A

AF that:
- fails to terminate using cardioversion
- terminates but relapses within 24h
- longstanding AF > 1y in which cardioversion has not been indicated or attempted (accepted permanent AF)

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4
Q

Causes of AF

A

Most common:
1) HTN
2) CAD
3) MI

Other cardiac causes:
1) Congestive HF
2) Rheumatic valvular disease
3) Atrial or ventricular dilation or hypertrophy
4) WPW
5) Sick sinus syndrome
6) Congenital heart disease
7) Inflammatory or infiltrative disease (pericarditis, amyloidosis, myocarditis)

Non-cardiac causes:
1) Acute infection
2) Autonomic neuronal dysfunction
3) HypoK and HypoNa
4) Cancer: lung, breast, malignant melanoma mets
5) PE
6) Thyrotoxicosis
7) DM
8) Excessive caffeine, alcohol, smoking, obesity
9) Thyroxine, bronchodilators

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5
Q

Prevalence of AF

A

Most common cardiac arrhythmia - 2.5%

M > F

Lifetime risk for women aged 40y - 26% and aged 80y - 22.7%

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6
Q

AF complications

A

1) Increased risk of CVA (2.3x) and stroke severity is greater when associated with AF than with other causes

2) Peripheral thromboembolism

3) Heart failure (5x): ineffective ventricular filling

4) Tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy and critical c cardiac ischaemia is persistently raised ventricular rate

5) 96% increased risk of major cardiovascular event

6) 88% increased risk of sudden cardiac death

7) Reduced QoL and impaired cognitive function

Risks from paroxysmal AF thought to be similar to persistent/permanent AF

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7
Q

Management of AF if onset within last 48h

A

1) Assess haemodynamic stability, unstable if :
- HR >150
- Systolic BP < 90
- severe dizziness/syncrope
- chest pain/increasing SOB

2) Haemodynamically unstable - urgent admission for electrical cardioversion

3) Haemodynamically stable: manage in primary care or admit for immediate cardioversion (electrical or amiodarone/felcainide)

4) Herpanise if AF definitely < 48h

5) If < 48h, after electrical cardioversion further anticoaglation is unecessary

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8
Q

Management of AF started > 48h ago

A

1) Haemodynamically unstable - admit

2) Investigations to r/o causes:
- ECG
- FBC, U&E, BP, TFT, Mg, HbA1c
- NT ProBNP if HF
- Echo - murmur

3) Refer for consideration of pharmacological or electrical cardioversion:
- AF with reversible cause (chest infection)
- HF caused or worsened by AF

4) Refer to cardiology:
- WPW
- Valvular disease associated with AF
- Suspected HF +/- previous MI

5) CHA2DS2VASC and ORBIT

6) DOAC : risk of stroke 5x higher in AF, anticoagulant reduces risk by 2/3
- offer if CHA1CS2VASc > 2 (women) or > 1 (men) if benefit > risk
- do not offer if < 65y and no RF other than sex (1 for women or 0 for men)

7) If DOAC not suitable - offer Vit K antagonist and if neither suitable offer aspirin + clopidogrel

8) Offer rate-control treatment:
- BB (not sotalol) or rate-limiting CCB (diltiazem/verapamil)
- digoxin is alternative in non-paroxysmal AF if sedentary and can’t have BB or CCB or prefer digoxin

9) F/U 1 week after starting rate-control treatment:
- symptoms, HR, BP, drug tolerance
- switch to alternative rate-control drug if not tolerated
- if HR/symptoms/BP not controlled - increase dose of current drug
- if taking max dose offer combination treatment, 2 of BB, diltiazem (off-label), digoxin
- Specialist advice before BB + diltiazem - bradycardia, AV block, asystole, sudden death

10) If symptoms or HR not controlled on combination treatment - refer for cardioversion (4ww)

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9
Q

Left atrial ablation

A
  • 50% can stop taking some/all heart rhythm medications after procedure
  • paroxysmal AF - 80% feel better after and 33% need repeat ablation within 3y
  • persistent AF - 50% feel better after , 80 % after 2 ablations, and 10% need repeat ablation within 3y
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10
Q

AV node ablation + pacemaker

A
  • 80% can stop taking some/all heart rhythm medications after procedure
  • 80% feel better
  • 3% need repeat procedure within 3y
  • battery replacement within 10y
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11
Q

Driving after ablation procedure

A

G1: no driving for 2 days, 1 week after pacemaker.

G2: no driving for 6 weeks

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12
Q

Flying with AF

A

No restrictions if stable

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13
Q

Driving with AF

A

G1: if it has caused/likely to cause incapacity to stop driving. Restart when cause identified and controlled for 4 weeks

G2: if it has caused/likely to cause incapacity to stop driving. Restart when controlled for 3 months + LVEF >= 0.4

Check with insurer that they are still covered

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14
Q

CHA2DS2VASc Score Tool

A

Assess stroke risk in patients with AF:

Congestive heart failure/HFrEF or decompensated HF requiring hospitalisation = 1

HTN > 140/90 x2 or on current treatment = 1

Age >= 75y = 2

DM (fasting BM > 7 or treatment) = 1

Stroke/TIA = 2

Vascular disease (MI, PAD or aortic plaque) = 1

Age 65 - 74 = 1

Sex female = 1

Rate of thromboemolic events/year:
0 - 0 %
1 - 1.3%
2 - 2.2%
3 - 3.2%
4 - 4%
5 - 6.7%
6 - 9.8%
7 - 9.6%
8 - 6.7%
9 - 15.2%

Offer anticoagulant if >=2 or to men if >=1

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15
Q

ORBIT scoring tool

A

To assess bleeding risk when deciding on anticoagulation

2 points for -
- males with Hb < 130 or Hct < 40%
- females with Hb < 120 or Hct < 36%
- history of bleeding (GI, intracranial, hemorrhagic stroke)

1 point for:
- > 74y
- eGFR < 60.
- on antiplatlet

Results -
0 - 2 - low risk
3 - medium risk (4.7 bleeds/100 pt years)
4 - 7 - high

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16
Q

Target for rate control in AF

A

60-80 at rest

90-115 during moderate exercise

17
Q

Which combination of rate-limiting drugs should you seek advice for before prescribing?

A

BB + diltiazem

Bradycardia, AV block, asystole, sudden death

18
Q

Follow-up after starting warfarin

A

Warfarin:
- INR daily or alternate days until 2-3 on 2 consecutive occasions
- then twice weekly for 1-2 weeks.
- then weekly until 2x INR 2-3
- then depends on stability - can be up to 12 weeks

Time in therapeutic range (TTR):
- calculate over period of 6 months, excluding first 6 weeks

Poor control:
- TTR < 65%
- 2x INR > 5 or 1x INR > 8 in past 6m
- 2x INR < 1.5 in past 6m

19
Q

Annual AF review

A

1) Symptoms during rest & exercise

2) HR

3) If on rate-control with persistent symptoms:
- increase dose to maximum tolerated
- combination treatment - 2 of BB, diltiazem (off-label), digoxin (advice if BB + diltiazem)
- refer if not controlled on combination treatment to be seen in 4 weeks.

4) Review CHA2DS2VASC and ORBIT

5) Review DOAC/warfarin

20
Q

BB in AF:

Licensed in AF

AF alone/ +MI (no HF)/ + HF/ +DM

CI and cautions

SE

Interactions

A

Licensed in AF - atenolol, acebutolol, metoprolol, nadolol, oxprenolol, propranolol

AF alone: atenolol 50-100mg as once daily and less expensive

Previous MI without HF: metoprolol (standard release), propranolol (standard release) or atenolol

AF + HF: bisoprolol, carvediolol, nebivolol

AF + DM:
- cardio-selective BB.- atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, nebivolol.
- Avoid if experiencing frequent hypo’s.

Check pulse and BP 1 week after each dose titration

CI:
1) Asthma, COPD (if no alternative can use cardio-selective BB bisoptolol/atenolol) + concomitant bronchodilator therapy
2) Cardiogenic shock or phaechromocytoma (without alpha blocker)
3) 2nd/3rd degree HB without pacemaker
4) HR < 60bpm at start of treatment
5) Systolic BP < 100mmHg
6) Severe PAD: pain at rest and sometimes intermittent claudication
7) Uncontrolled HF - seek advice if current/recent exacerbation

Caution:
1) DM
2) 1st HB
3) Myasthenia gravis
4) Portal HTN - risk of deteriorating liver function
5) Psoriasis - can cause exacerbation

SE:
1) impotence, loss of libido - 5/1000
2) Pyschoses
3) sleep/nightmares
4) Low PLT
5) Visual disturbance
6) Vertigo

Interactions:
1) Increased hypotensive effect:
alpha-blockers, ACEi/ARB, baclofen, co-dopa, diuretics, nitrates
- tricyclics, mirtazapine, trazodone
- steroids/HRT
3) Anti-DM - mask hypo symptoms
4) CCB - never prescribe BB + verapamil!
5) Class I anti-arrythmics (qunidine/flecanide) - bradycardia and myocardial depression
6) Class II anti-arrythmics (amiodarone) - caution - risk of bradycardia, AV block, myocardial depression
7) Clonidine - risk of withdrawal HTN - withdraw BB several days before clonidine
8) Dobutamine - severe hypotension and bradycardia if non-cardioselective
9) NSAIDS - antagonise hypotensive effect

21
Q

Diltiazem (off-label) and verapamil:

Dose

CI & cautions

SE

Interactions

A

Diltiazem:
- 60-120mg TDS (180-480mg MR)
- Renal or hepatic impairment/elderly - 60mg BD

Verapamil:
- 40-120mg TDS

CI D + V:
1) LVF with pulmonary congestion
2) HR < 50bpm (V) / < 40bpm (diltiazem)
3) 2nd/3rd HB, unless ventricular pacemaker
4) Systolic BP < 90
5) Severe aortic stenosis
6) With ivabradine
7) Pregnant or of child-bearing potential
CI V:
1) WPW
2) Acute MI complicated by bradycardia, marked hypotension or LVF

Caution:
1) Risk of bowel obstruction - reduced intestinal motility
2) 1st HB
3) D - DM - may increase BM

SE:
1) Av block, asystole
2) V - constipation
3) D - bronchospasm

Interactions:
1) Increased hypotensive effect with other antihypertensives /clonidine /co-copa /tricyclics /mirtazapine
2) Amiodarone - increased bradycardia, AV block
3) Enhances effects of cabamazapine - alter dose
4) Increases colchicine toxicity -suspend/reduce dose - avoid combination of colchicine + rate-limiting CCB in hepatic/renal impairment.
5) BB + V = contradicted. D = caution
6) Clarithromycin/erythromycin - reduced metabolism of CCB –> increased SE
7) Dabigatran - increased by V
8) Statins - increased risk of myopathy with simvastatin, V increased by atorvastatin and increased risk of myopathy (reduce atorvastatin dose).

22
Q

Digoxin:

CI & cautions

Dosing

CI & cautions

SE, toxicity and monitoring

Interactions

A

Dosing:
- loading dose of 250 - 750mcg OD for 7 days. Clinic response usually within 1 week.
- maintenance dose 125 - 250mcg OD
- review at 1 week

CI:
1) WPW / AV block / VT or VF
2) HOCM - though can be used with caution if concomitant AF

Caution:
1) Recent MI
2) Thyroid disease
3) Severe respiratory disease
4 HypoK, HypoMg, HyperCa, Hypoxia (hisk of toxicity)
5) Renal impairment / elderly

SE:
1) Cardiac: SA or AV block, PVCs, PR prolongation, ST depression
- ECG changes (do not indicate toxicity) - scooped ST depression in II, III, avF, V5/6 (reverse tick)
2) Non-cardiac:
- nausea (OD), diarrhoea
- blurred/yellow vision
- weakness, dizziness, confusion, malaise, headache
- Thrombocytopenia and agranulocytosis
- gynaecomastia

Toxicity:
- confusion, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, disturbance of colour vision
- can occur even if digoxin level in normal range (0.7 - 2ng/mL)

Monitoring:
- not for routine monitoring of digoxin levels, but check U&E at least every 12m
- check if symptoms of toxicity / suspect poor adherence
- Take blood sample >6h (ideally 8-12h) after previous dose

Interpreting results:
< 1.5ng/mL + normal K - unlikely toxicity
> 3.0 - toxicity likely
1.5 - 3 - possible

Interactions:
1) Antidepressants: avoid tricyclics, venlafaxine, trazadone
2) BB:
- increased risk AV block, monitor pulse
- increased risk of toxicity with carvedilol
3) Diuretics, acetazolamide, amphotericin: increased cardiac toxicity if hypoK occurs
4) PPI - omeprazole, pantoprazole increases digoxin level

Drugs which increase digoxin levels:
1) Amiodarone
2) Antimicrobials: itraconazole, macrolide ABx, tetracycline, trimethoprim
3) CCB: diltiazem, verapamil, nifedipine
4) Chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine
5) Spironolactone

23
Q

Choosing between warfarin and DOAC

A

Equal for preventing stroke in AF

DOACs - reduced risk of hemorrhagic stroke and intracerebral haemorrhage

DOACs have short half life therefore adherence is vital - effect fades after 12-24h and with warfarin lasts for 48-72h after missing a dose

No need for coagulation monitoring with DOAC

No specific antidotes for DOAC but are steps that and be taken if major bleed to reverse their effect

24
Q

Amiodarone:

A

Always initiated in secondary care

Baseline tests: TFT, LFT, U&E, CXR, ECG

Monitoring:
1) TFT every 6m and for 12m after stopping
2) LFT, U&E every 6m
3) ECG every 12m
4) Annual eye test

SE:
1) Nausea, vomiting, taste disturbance
2) Pneumonitis, fibrosis - SOB, dry cough, fatigue, weight loss, fever
3) Hyper or hypothyroidism in 4%
4) Hepato-biliary disorders: cirrhosis, hepatitis, jaundice
5) Cardiac toxicity: bradycardia, block
6) Visual disorders: corneal micro deposits (dazzled by headlights at night), optic neuritis
7) Neurological: tremor, ataxia, peripheral neuropathy
8) Photosensitivity reactions: can persist for months after stopping, grey-blue skin discolouration - protect skin from light during treatment and after

Interactions:
1) BB, CCB
2) Colestyramine- reduces amiodarone levels by 50%
3) Donepezol, rivastigmine - increased bradycardia
4) Drugs that prolong QT - citalopram, escitalopram, amitriptyline, lithium, haloperidol
5) CYP3A4 inhibitors: increase amiodarone - erythromycin, azaleas, protease inhibitors
6) CYP3A4 inducers: reduce Amiodarone - carbamazapine, sildenafil, phenytoin
7) Digoxin: increases digoxin
8) simvastatin - do not exceed 20mg
9) Stimulant laxative, Senna: hypoK
10) Warfarin - increased anticoagulant effect

25
Q

If no need for anticoagulation based on CHADSVASC score and has AF, what should be checked?

A

Echo to exclude valve disease as AF + valve disease is an absolute indication for anticoagulation

26
Q

Catheter ablation for AF and anticoagulation

A

Anticoagulation for 4 weeks before and during the procedure

Controls rhythm but does not reduce stroke risk, therefore still needs anticoagulation based on CHADSVASC:
- 0 - 2 months anticoagulation recommended
- >=1 - longterm anticoagulation recommended

50% recurrence of AF within 3m that resolves spontaneously
55% at 3y will remain in sinus rhythm
80% of those having multiple procedures will be in sinus rhythm

27
Q

Amiodarone or flecainide for pharmacological cardioversion in AF

A

Structural heart disease: amiodarone

No structural heart disease: amiodarone or flecainide

28
Q

Cardioversion in AF - anticoagulation

A

< 48h of AF prior to cardioversion - no anticoagulation needed afterwards

> 48h AF - give anticoagulation for at least 3 weeks before cardioversion or do TOE to exclude L atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus - if excluded can be heparinised and electrically cardioverted immediately
- if high risk of electrical cardioversion failure (previous failure/recurrence) then give at least 4 weeks amiodarone or sotalol prior to electical cardioversion
- following electrical cardioversion patients should be anticoagulated for at least 4 weeks, then reassess based on risk of recurrence

29
Q

What is the main reason to check U&E prior to amiodarone?

A

To detect hypoK - increases risk of arrythmia

30
Q

Rhythm vs rate control in AF

A

Symptomatic, < 65y + 1st presentation or CHF - rhythm control

> 65y, history of IHD - rate control

Cardiovascular (15 decks)

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