Atrial fibrillation: Natural history, complications, and management

J. S. Alpert, P. Petersen, J. Godtfredsen

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

135 Scopus citations

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is a clinically important arrhythmia that carries important prognostic and therapeutic implications. Hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and rheumatic valvular disease are the commonest causes of atrial fibrillation. The presence of chronic or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation places the patient at increased risk for embolic stroke and/or death. When atrial fibrillation develops, there is loss of the atrial transport factor ('atrial kick'), with consequent decrease of cardiac output. Stroke output declines by 20-30% in normal individuals with loss of atrial kick; the decline in stroke output is considerably larger in patients with heart disease. Atrial fibrillation can be electrically or pharmacologically reverted to sinus rhythm. Even patients with refractory atrial fibrillation can be reverted to sinus rhythm with amiodarone.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)41-52
Number of pages12
JournalAnnual review of medicine
Volume39
DOIs
StatePublished - 1988
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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