Objectives: :
Objectives: Understand the Epidemiology of AF
Differentiate between different types of AF.
How to assess a patient with AF.
Management of AF.
Nice Guidelines.
Atrial fibrillation :
Atrial fibrillation Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an atrial tachyarrhythmia characterised by predominantly uncoordinated atrial activation with consequent deterioration of atrial mechanical function
On the ECG, there is an absence of consistent P waves; instead there are rapid oscillations or fibrillatory waves that vary in size, shape and timing
Atrial fibrillation A Substantial Threat to the Heart :
Atrial fibrillation A Substantial Threat to the Heart Excessive ventricular rate → cardiomyopathy.
loss of atrial contraction, and an irregular ventricular filling time.
Bad prognostic signs in patients with CHF.
Atrial FibrillationA Substantial Threat to the Brain :
Atrial FibrillationA Substantial Threat to the Brain Affects ~4% of people aged >60 years ~9% of those aged >80 years
5%/year stroke rate
~30% lifetime risk of stroke
12%/year for those with prior stroke
$ billions annual cost for stroke care AF identifies millions of people with a
five-fold increased risk of stroke