AV node ablation with pacemaker for ventricular control.

Maze procedure to create new electrical pathways.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation to destroy problematic tissues.

Implantable cardiac pacemaker.

Medications to control heart rate and reduce clot risk.

Increased risk of stroke due to potential blood clot formation.

Different electrical properties lead to unpredictable atrial conduction.

Obesity, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption.

High blood pressure, coronary artery disease, valvular diseases.

Irregular QRS complexes at high rates (100-175 bpm).

Result in mini contractions, making atria appear to quiver on an ECG.

Signals in atria become disorganized, overriding the sinus node.

Signal moves to ventricles for contraction.

Electrical signal from sinus node (right atrium) propagates through atria, causing coordinated contraction.

Lower Chambers: Right and Left Ventricles

Upper Chambers: Right and Left Atrium

Depends on individual issues:

Paroxysmal AF might require Holter monitor for extended monitoring.

Persistent AF diagnosed by ECG.

Complications:

Symptoms: Fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, weakness, palpitations.

Permanent AF: Decision made not to terminate the rhythm.

Long-standing Persistent AF: Lasts beyond 12 months.

Persistent AF: Lasts more than a week without self-termination.

Paroxysmal AF: Sudden, short episodes.

Tissue heterogeneity and multiple wavelet theory.

Genetic predispositions.

Non-cardiovascular factors:

Often associated with cardiovascular diseases:

Lost in AF, not life-threatening but reduces efficiency.

Normally contributes a small amount of blood from the atrial contraction.

AF ECG: Irregular, scribbled pattern due to uncoordinated atrial contractions.

Normal ECG: P wave (atrial contraction), followed by QRS complex (ventricular contraction).

Atrial Fibrillation (AF):

Normal process:

Fibrillation refers to muscle fibers contracting at different times, causing a quivering or twitching movement.

The heart contains four chambers:

Treatment Options

Diagnosis

Symptoms and Complications

Types and Progression of AF

Causes and Risk Factors of AF

Atrial Kick

ECG Observations

Fibrillation

Heart Anatomy

Lecture on Atrial Fibrillation (AF)