The Basics
When reading an EKG, this is the telltale sign/buzzword for Atrial Fibrillation.
What is "irregularly irregular pulse with no p waves?"
This is the range for heart rate in atrial fibrillation.
What is 100-175 beats per minute?
This characteristic of EKGs are absent in patients with Atrial Fibrillation
What are clearly defined P waves AND/OR symptoms?
These three different (types of) medications can be used to treat A-fib by slowing AV node conduction and heart rate in order to reduce feelings of sickness caused by tachycardia.
What are beta-blockers, Ca++ channel blockers, and digoxin?
True/False: The CHADS VASC scoring system improves upon the CHADS system by replacing the risk factors used in CHADS with ones that are more predictive of stroke risk.
What is False?
This type of A Fib comes and goes with spontaneous conversion to sinus rhythm.
What is paroxysmal A-Fib?
Disease of this valve is associated with greater risk of developing AF.
What is the Mitral Valve
This is used to measure Stroke Risk Assessment in Atrial Fibrillation
What is CHADS/CHADS VASC?
Electrical cardioversion involves a defibrillator that delivers a synchronized shock at this point on the EKG, avoiding risk of conversion of atrial fibrillation to ventricular fibrillation.
What is the QRS complex?
An 85 year old man with hypertension and previous ischemic stroke has a CHADS score of this.
What is 4?
This demographic of people is most likely to have A-Fib.
Who are women with diabetes, hypertension, and CAD?
True/False all of these conditions can increase the risk of someone developing A Fib:
High blood pressure, Heart attacks, Coronary artery disease, Abnormal heart valves
What is True
This is an endocrine test that should be checked in every patient found to have AF.
What is TSH?
These two class IV antiarrhythmics can be used in treatment of A-Fib to control heart rate.
What are verapamil and diltiazem?
Warfarin and other anticoagulants are typically given to patients with a CHADS score of greater than or equal to this.
What is 2?
Valvular A-Fib is associated with this disease.
What is rheumatic heart disease?
This condition is similar to A Fib having almost identical causes and risk factors. (Hint: The condition can develop into A Fib)
What is Atrial Flutter
True/False: Atrial fibrillation most commonly presents with breathlessness, palpitations, syncope, dizziness and chest discomfort.
True
These three class III antiarrhythmics can also be given to patients with A-Fib before and after cardioversion to reduce risk of rhythm converting back to A-Fib after restoring sinus rhythm.
What are sotalol, amiodarone, and dofetilide?
True/False: A previous history of diabetes is worth 1 point on the CHADS and CHADS VASC scoring systems.
What is True?
You can leave this kind of patient in atrial fibrillation and not provide any kind of antiarrhythmic.
Who are asymptomatic patients?
This syndrome is related to the development of AF post binge drinking of alcohol on holidays.
What is Holiday Heart Syndrome?
Untreated, rapid atrial fibrillation could lead to this heart disease. (HINT: Characteristic of Systolic Heart Failure)
What is Cardiomyopathy
This anticoagulant is a direct thrombin inhibitor, and is as effective as warfarin at preventing blood clots but is shorter-acting and does not require monitoring of INR levels.
What is dabigatran?
Because of the improvements made to CHADS, CHADS VASC is better at identifying this group of patients.
What are truly low risk patients?