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For educational use only. Content is AI-generated, may contain errors, and is not medical advice — always verify against current primary sources and faculty guidance before clinical use.

HomeCardiovascularAtrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation

Cardiovascular · ~11% of blueprint
Pathophysiology
Disorganized atrial electrical activity (often pulmonary vein foci) → irregular ventricular response, loss of atrial kick, stasis.
Signs & Symptoms
Palpitations, irregularly irregular pulse, fatigue, dyspnea; may be asymptomatic.
Gold Standard Diagnosis
ECG: irregularly irregular rhythm, absent P waves. Holter if paroxysmal.
First-line Treatment
Rate control (beta-blocker or non-DHP CCB) + anticoagulation per CHA₂DS₂-VASc. Cardiovert if unstable.
Drug cardsMetoprololDiltiazemApixabanWarfarin
High-Yield Pearl

Anticoagulate by CHA₂DS₂-VASc, not by rhythm strategy. Unstable → immediate synchronized cardioversion. Early rhythm control/ablation is now favored (Class 1) in selected younger, symptomatic patients and in HFrEF.

More Cardiovascular conditions

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome (STEMI)
  • Acute Pericarditis
  • Aortic Dissection
  • Aortic Stenosis
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Heart Failure (HFrEF)
  • Hyperlipidemia
  • Hypertension (Essential)
  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
  • Infective Endocarditis
  • Mitral Regurgitation
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease
All Cardiovascular