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Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter

Bianca Lee, MS, DO and Lyncean Ung, D.O. Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

This topic covers both atrial fibrillation (AFib) and atrial flutter (AFlut). 

DESCRIPTION

  • AFib: paroxysmal or continuous supraventricular tachyarrhythmia characterized by rapid, uncoordinated at...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

Symptoms vary from none to mild (palpitations, light-headedness, fatigue, poor exercise capacity) to severe (angina, dyspnea, syncope). 

PHYSICAL EXAM

  • AFib: irregularly irregular heart ...

TREATMENT

  • Two primary issues in the management of AFib and/or AFlut: decisions on heart rate control (control ventricular rate while allowing AFib to continue) or rhythm control (terminate AFib and re...

ONGOING CARE

Consider elective expert consultation. 

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Adequate anticoagulation levels with warfarin should be determined weekly during initiation and at least ...

REFERENCES

1
Jonas  DE, Kahwati  LC, Yun  JDY, et al. Screening for atrial fibrillation with electrocardiography: evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Ser...

CODES

ICD10

  • I48.91 Unspecified atrial fibrillation

  • I48.92 Unspecified atrial flutter

  • I48.0 Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

  • I48.4 Atypical atrial flutter

  • I48.1 Persistent atrial fibrillation

  • I48.3 Typical atr...

CLINICAL PEARLS

Reevaluation of the need for and choice of anticoagulation therapy at periodic intervals is recommended to reassess stroke and bleeding risks. 

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