A-fib

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Risk factors for A-fib
- age
- obesity
- Caucasian
- excessive alcohol
Are there P waves? Is the QRS pattern normal?
- no P waves
- irregular QRS
Why is there no P wave

the atria are not contracting, p wave is the depolarization of the atria
Why is A-fib a potential for CVA and PE

since atria aren't contracting blood pools and can lead to coagulation
Why does CO decrease
- increased rate
- decreased filling time
- decreased stroke volume(no atria "kick"/contraction)
Decreased CO can lead to what complications
- HF
- hypotension
- perfusion problems
What are the S/S of A-fib
- fatigue/weak
- SOB
- dizzy/syncope
- hypotension
- anxiety
- palpitaion
- chest pain
- asymptomatic
How do we treat A-fib
- anticoagulants
- anti-platelets
- Anti-dysrhythmics
- cardioversion
- ablation/maze
- bi-ventricular pacing
What types of anticoagulants are used to treat A-fib and why
- Heparin
- Enoxaparin(Lovenox)-LWMH
- warfarin(coumadin)-decrease vitamin K intake
- pooling bllod in atria/ prevent PE/CVA
Which anticoagulant is a bridge until the other starts working

Lovenox bridge until coumadin is effective
What types of antiplatelets are used
- ASA
- clopidogrel(Plavix)
What anti-dysrhythmics are used
- Ones that slow HR
- CA++ channel blockers- diltiazem(Cardizem)
- Amidarone(Cordarone)
- Beta-blockers- metoprolol(Lopressor)
- Digoxin(Lanoxin)
What is cardioversion

an attempt to "reset" heart rhythm
When can cardioversion be done w/out using anticoagulants

If the pt knows the went into A-fib in the last 48 hrs because the blood hasn't had time to coagulate yet
What is ablation/maze

block extra electrical impulses so only SA impulses travel to AV
What is bi-ventricular pacing

implanted atrial defibrillator that sends shock to the heart when arrhythmia occur

Author

tville01

198357

Card Set

A-fib

Description

A-fib

Updated

2013-02-06T13:01:53Z

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