Most patients with atrial fibrillation of less than 24 hours duration will spontaneously revert to sinus rhythm. One of the most important factors influencing treatment is the duration of atrial fibrillation. The assessment should include a thorough history and examination, a 12 lead ECG, echocardiography and thyroid function tests.Ĭommon conditions contributing to atrial fibrillation Comorbidities which may influence the decision to use warfarin and the choice of antiarrhythmic drug should be considered. In patients discovered to have atrial fibrillation treatable conditions contributing to the arrhythmia should be identified (Table 1). When this is not practical, the focus turns to the control of ventricular rate and anticoagulation to prevent embolism. One involves restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm. Optimal management of atrial fibrillation can improve patients' symptoms and reduce their risk of stroke substantially. The most feared complication is systemic embolism, particularly embolic stroke. Patients suffer a wide variety of symptoms including palpitations, dizziness, dyspnoea, angina and worsening heart failure. As our population ages, the prevalence of atrial fibrillation in Australia will continue to rise.ĭespite being considered a benign arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation is a major cause of morbidity. Its prevalence is 0.4% in the general population, increasing to 9% of people over the age of 80. ![]() ![]() Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia presenting to cardiologists and general practitioners.
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