8 ATRIAL FIBRILLATION General Discussion Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia treated by the physician. The incidence of atrial fibrillation increases with age and approximately doubles with each decade of life. The incidence of atrial fibrillation is further affected by the presence of both chronic medical illnesses and acute precipitating factors, which are outlined below. Myocardial infarction can be complicated by atrial fibrillation. However, patients presenting with atrial fibrillation without chest pain, anginal equivalent, or electrocardiogram (EKG) changes suggestive of ischemia are unlikely to have silent heart disease. The general consensus is that these patients do not need to be worked up for ischemia. In approximately 3% of patients with atrial fibrillation, no apparent cause is identified. When atrial fibrillation is identified, the decision must be made whether the patient should be hospitalized. Indications for hospitalization include hemodynamic or cardiovascular instability, difficulty achieving rate control, or significant symptoms related to the arrhythmia. Hospitalization may also be indicated for patients who are candidates for early cardioversion. Conditions Associated with Atrial Fibrillation Cardiac Disease • Atrial amyloidosis • Cardiac arrhythmias • Cardiac tumor • Cardiomyopathy • Congenital heart disease • Coronary artery disease • Left ventricular hypertrophy • Myocarditis • Pericarditis • Rheumatic heart disease • Valvular disease Cerebrovascular accident Diabetes mellitus Exertion-induced Hypertension Increased sympathetic activity • Anxiety • Caffeine Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Related Related posts: BLEEDING AND BRUISING GYNECOMASTIA INFERTILITY, MALE SYNCOPE Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel Join Tags: Instant Work-ups A Clinical Guide to Medicine Aug 17, 2016 | Posted by admin in PEDIATRICS | Comments Off on ATRIAL FIBRILLATION Full access? Get Clinical Tree
8 ATRIAL FIBRILLATION General Discussion Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia treated by the physician. The incidence of atrial fibrillation increases with age and approximately doubles with each decade of life. The incidence of atrial fibrillation is further affected by the presence of both chronic medical illnesses and acute precipitating factors, which are outlined below. Myocardial infarction can be complicated by atrial fibrillation. However, patients presenting with atrial fibrillation without chest pain, anginal equivalent, or electrocardiogram (EKG) changes suggestive of ischemia are unlikely to have silent heart disease. The general consensus is that these patients do not need to be worked up for ischemia. In approximately 3% of patients with atrial fibrillation, no apparent cause is identified. When atrial fibrillation is identified, the decision must be made whether the patient should be hospitalized. Indications for hospitalization include hemodynamic or cardiovascular instability, difficulty achieving rate control, or significant symptoms related to the arrhythmia. Hospitalization may also be indicated for patients who are candidates for early cardioversion. Conditions Associated with Atrial Fibrillation Cardiac Disease • Atrial amyloidosis • Cardiac arrhythmias • Cardiac tumor • Cardiomyopathy • Congenital heart disease • Coronary artery disease • Left ventricular hypertrophy • Myocarditis • Pericarditis • Rheumatic heart disease • Valvular disease Cerebrovascular accident Diabetes mellitus Exertion-induced Hypertension Increased sympathetic activity • Anxiety • Caffeine Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Related Related posts: BLEEDING AND BRUISING GYNECOMASTIA INFERTILITY, MALE SYNCOPE Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel Join Tags: Instant Work-ups A Clinical Guide to Medicine Aug 17, 2016 | Posted by admin in PEDIATRICS | Comments Off on ATRIAL FIBRILLATION Full access? Get Clinical Tree
