Atrial fibrillation.

Abstract

First published in 'Australian Doctor' February 2013. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a cardiac arrhythmia with ECG findings of irregularly irregular RR intervals and an absence of p waves (see ECG in box, below). It is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality because of an associated significant increase in risk of stroke, thromboembolic events and heart failure, and impaired quality of life. Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. Its prevalence and incidence is increasing due to advancing age of the population. This article will briefly cover recommended treatment options and consider these options in a rural setting. However, most clinicians would agree that when it comes to atrial fibrillation, there are many different approaches to management.