Post-Mortem Teaching - Heart Flashcards
1
Q
What causes Afib?
A
Atriaal
Any heart disease ThyRotoxicosis Irritation to atria e.g. a tumour Aging ALcohol
2
Q
How does Afib develop?
A
Prolonged excessive stretch/strain on the atrium leads to structural connective tissue changes which disrupt ion movement and so movement of conduction.
This leads to pacemaker cells outwith the SA node triggering ventricular contraction so you end up with multiple signals causing ventricular contractions and so a fast irregularly irregular heart beat
3
Q
Why would Afib lead to a mural thrombus?
A
The atrium isnt contracting properly so some blood doesnt get expelled, most likely in the auricles.
(Often embolises causing stroke)
