Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

AF is a common arrhythmia that increases stroke risk and can affect cardiac function and quality of life. In AF, disorganized atrial electrical activity impairs coordinated contraction, allowing blood to pool and form clots that can travel to the brain. A rapid ventricular response can impair cardiac function. Hypertension, obesity, sleep apnea, and other conditions can promote atrial remodeling and AF progression.

AF may cause palpitations, fatigue, or declining exercise tolerance—or first emerge during a stroke or heart failure (HF) admission. More than 10.5 million U.S. adults have AF; symptoms alone do not indicate risk.

AF management connects daily function with prevention of future harm:

• Assess stroke risk independently of symptoms
• Discuss rhythm control early when appropriate
• Address conditions driving AF

The plan should reflect the patient’s goals and what they can sustain.