NURSING MEDSURG: ATRIAL FIBRILLATION OVERVIEW WITH
REFERENCES GRADED A
Atrial fibrillation
Overview
Rhythm disturbance of the atria
Characterized by an irregularly irregular cardiac rate and rhythm (See Recognizing atrial fibrillation.)
Possibly paroxysmal (episodes cease by themselves), persistent (rhythm can be restored with medications or cardioversion), or permanent
(rhythm can't be restored for any meaningful period)
, NURSING MEDSURG: ATRIAL FIBRILLATION OVERVIEW WITH
REFERENCES GRADED A
Recognizing atrial fibrillation
Approximately one-third of patients presenting with atrial fibrillation do so without detectable
heart disease.
Rhythm: Irregularly irregular
Rate: Atrial—indiscernible; ventricular—130
beats/minute P wave: Absent; replaced by fine
fibrillatory waves
PR interval: Indiscernible
QRS complex: 0.08 second; normal QT interval:
Unmeasurable
Other: None
Pathophysiology
Chaotic, rapid discharges occur from numerous ectopic foci in the atria. An erratic,
uncoordinated atrial rhythm results.
, NURSING MEDSURG: ATRIAL FIBRILLATION OVERVIEW WITH
REFERENCES GRADED A
Causes
Hemodynamic stress that results from such problems as mitral or tricuspid valve disease, left ventricular dysfunction, or systemic or
pulmonary hypertension
Atrial ischemia that results from such problems as coronary artery disease Inflammation that
results from such problems as myocarditis or pericarditis Use of drugs, such as stimulants,
alcohol, or cocaine
Endocrine disorders, such as hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma Neurologic
disorders, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage or stroke Pulmonary embolism,
pneumonia
Lung cancer
Congenital heart disease
Risk Factors
Advanced age
Hypertension Heart
failure
Cardiomyopathy
Diabetes
Coronary heart disease
Rheumatic heart disease
Cardiothoracic surgery
REFERENCES GRADED A
Atrial fibrillation
Overview
Rhythm disturbance of the atria
Characterized by an irregularly irregular cardiac rate and rhythm (See Recognizing atrial fibrillation.)
Possibly paroxysmal (episodes cease by themselves), persistent (rhythm can be restored with medications or cardioversion), or permanent
(rhythm can't be restored for any meaningful period)
, NURSING MEDSURG: ATRIAL FIBRILLATION OVERVIEW WITH
REFERENCES GRADED A
Recognizing atrial fibrillation
Approximately one-third of patients presenting with atrial fibrillation do so without detectable
heart disease.
Rhythm: Irregularly irregular
Rate: Atrial—indiscernible; ventricular—130
beats/minute P wave: Absent; replaced by fine
fibrillatory waves
PR interval: Indiscernible
QRS complex: 0.08 second; normal QT interval:
Unmeasurable
Other: None
Pathophysiology
Chaotic, rapid discharges occur from numerous ectopic foci in the atria. An erratic,
uncoordinated atrial rhythm results.
, NURSING MEDSURG: ATRIAL FIBRILLATION OVERVIEW WITH
REFERENCES GRADED A
Causes
Hemodynamic stress that results from such problems as mitral or tricuspid valve disease, left ventricular dysfunction, or systemic or
pulmonary hypertension
Atrial ischemia that results from such problems as coronary artery disease Inflammation that
results from such problems as myocarditis or pericarditis Use of drugs, such as stimulants,
alcohol, or cocaine
Endocrine disorders, such as hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma Neurologic
disorders, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage or stroke Pulmonary embolism,
pneumonia
Lung cancer
Congenital heart disease
Risk Factors
Advanced age
Hypertension Heart
failure
Cardiomyopathy
Diabetes
Coronary heart disease
Rheumatic heart disease
Cardiothoracic surgery
