Cardiology - Arryhthmias Flashcards
(331 cards)
Definition of AF
SVT
Uncoordinated atrial contraction
Irregular and frequently fast ventricular rate
Epidemiology of AF
Commonest cardiac arrhythmia - 1.2%
Prevalence increases with age - 10% > 70yrs, 23% > 80 yrs
ECG appearance in AF
No distinct P wave
Irregularly irregular
Classification of AF
First-diagnosed AF Paroxysmal AF Persistent AF Long standing persistent AF Permanent AF
First-diagnosed AF
AF that hasn’t been diagnosed before
Paroxysmal AF
Self-terminating, usually in 48 hrs
Persistent AF
AF lasting longer >7 days
Long-standing persistent AF
Continuous AF lasting >1 yr when its decided to adopt a rhythm control strategy
Permanent AF
AF accepted by pt and Dr
Rhythm control interventions aren’t pursued
AF symptoms
Palpitations Dyspnoea Chest tightness Fatigue/ lethargy Sleeping disturbances Psychological effects
Modified EHRA symptoms scale
1 - 4
No symptoms to disabling symptoms
Aetiological factors of AF
Aging (structural remodelling) Heart failure HTN and DM Valvular heart disease (esp mitral) CAD Alcohol excess Hyperthyroidism (trigger) Obesity and sleep apnoea Autonomic activation
Autonomic activation of AF
Sympathetic - increased ectopic activity
Vagal - reduced APD and increased spatial heterogeneity
Target BP for AF pts
130/80 mmHg
Mx of wt in AF pts
10% reduction in body wt (BMI < 25)
Increased physical activity
Diet (low-calorie food)
Mx of lipids in AF pts
Lifestyle measures if LDL >100mg/dL after 2/12 started on statins
Glycaemic control in AF pts
HbA1c > 6.5% after 2/12 - metformin
Mx of OSA in AF pts
Sleep study
Nocturnal CPAP
OSA
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Diagnostic workup for AF
12 lead ECG BP Bloods Echo Holter monitoring
Bloods for AF
FBC U&Es LFT TFT Coagulation
Why do we measure U&Es for AF
Abnormal K can ppt AF
Holter monitoring
Symptoms/ rhythm correlation
AF burden
Ventricular rate control
Potential consequences of AF
Morbidity associated w/ symptoms
AF +/- tachycardia mediated CM
Stroke
Increased mortality