Atrial Fibrillation: A Very Basic Introduction

Key points

• AF is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia: ~5% of 70–75 y olds, ~10% of 80–85 y olds.
• Classification: first detected episode · paroxysmal (self-terminating, < 7 days, typically < 24 h) · persistent (> 7 days, not self-terminating) · permanent.
• Recurrent = 2 or more episodes.
• Permanent AF: cannot/should not be cardioverted → goals are rate control + anticoagulation if appropriate.
• Key management priority: reducing the increased stroke risk.

Decision points in this pathway

• First ever episode?
• Self-terminating?
• Cardioversion possible/appropriate?

The full step-by-step algorithm, including what to do at each branch, opens in the app for approved members.