Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

Atrial fibrillation (AF or A-fib) is an abnormal heart rhythm characterised by rapid and irregular beating. Often, it begins with brief periods of abnormal beating that gradually become longer and possibly constant. The majority of episodes have no symptoms. Heart palpitations,.

The disease is associated with an increased risk of heart failure, dementia, and stroke. It is a type of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

An electrocardiogram is used to diagnose atrial fibrillation (ECG). 

The absence of P waves, with disorganised electrical activity in their place, and irregular RR intervals due to irregular impulse conduction to the ventricles are distinguishing features. 

At very fast heart rates, atrial fibrillation may appear more regular, making it more difficult to distinguish from SVT or ventricular tachycardia.

QRS complexes should be narrow, indicating that they are the result of normal atrial electrical activity conduction through the intraventricular conduction system. Wide QRS complexes are concerning for ventricular tachycardia; however, in cases of conduction system disease, wide complexes may be present in A-Fib with rapid ventricular response.

If paroxysmal AF is suspected but an ECG during an GP visit shows only a regular rhythm, AF episodes may be detected and documented with the use of ambulatory Holster monitoring.

ECG example of Atrial fibrillation

ECG rhythm strip example of Atrial fibrillation

ECG rhythm strip example of Atrial fibrillation with rapid

ventricular response

ECG rhythm strip example of Atrial fibrillation with slow

ventricular response

ECG rhythm strip example of Atrial fibrillation with complete

heart block