Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Difference between revisions
| Line 178: | Line 178: | ||
==== Electrolyte and Biomarker Studies ==== | ==== Electrolyte and Biomarker Studies ==== | ||
The patients [[thyroid function tests]] should be checked to exclude [[hyperthyroidism]]. [[Hypokalemia]] and [[hyperkalemia]] should be excluded. | |||
==== Electrocardiogram ==== | ==== Electrocardiogram ==== | ||
Revision as of 16:21, 15 January 2011
Editors-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D.[1] and Ann Slater[2], R.N., B.S.N.
Please Take Over This Page and Apply to be Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [3] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.
Related Key Words and Synonyms: PAF, paroxysmal AF
Overview
PAF is defined as recurrent episodes of atrial fibrillation that terminate spontaneously in less than 7 days. Oftentimes it terminates within 24 hours.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Pathophysiology & Etiology
Molecular Biology
Genetics
Natural History and Complications
Diagnosis
Common Causes
Complete Differential Diagnosis of the Causes of ...
(In alphabetical order)
- a...
- z...
Make sure that each diagnosis is linked to a page.
Complete Differential Diagnosis of the Causes of ...
(By organ system)
| Cardiovascular | Cardiomyopathy, Congestive heart failure (CHF), following coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), Coronary artery disease, Hypertension, Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), Mitral stenosis, Mitral regurgitation, Pericarditis, Sick sinus syndrome (SSS), ST elevation MI, |
| Chemical / poisoning | No underlying causes |
| Dermatologic | No underlying causes |
| Drug Side Effect | No underlying causes |
| Ear Nose Throat | No underlying causes |
| Endocrine | Hyperthyroidism |
| Environmental | No underlying causes |
| Gastroenterologic | No underlying causes |
| Genetic | No underlying causes |
| Hematologic | No underlying causes |
| Iatrogenic | No underlying causes |
| Infectious Disease | No underlying causes |
| Musculoskeletal / Ortho | No underlying causes |
| Neurologic | No underlying causes |
| Nutritional / Metabolic | Caffeine, alcohol withdrawal |
| Obstetric/Gynecologic | No underlying causes |
| Oncologic | No underlying causes |
| Opthalmologic | No underlying causes |
| Overdose / Toxicity | No underlying causes |
| Psychiatric | No underlying causes |
| Pulmonary | Pneumonia,Pulmonary embolism |
| Renal / Electrolyte | No underlying causes |
| Rheum / Immune / Allergy | No underlying causes |
| Sexual | No underlying causes |
| Trauma | No underlying causes |
| Urologic | No underlying causes |
| Miscellaneous | No underlying causes |
History and Symptoms
The most common symptom is palpitations. Often the patient describes an intermittent fluttering sensation in the chest. Less common symptoms include dizziness or lightheadedness, syncope, weakness, shortness of breath and chest pain. The patient may be asymptomatic, and the diagnosis may only be picked up on a screening EKG.
Physical Examination
Appearance of the Patient
Vital Signs
Skin
Eyes
Ear Nose and Throat
Heart
Lungs
Abdomen
Extremities
Neurologic
Other
Laboratory Findings
Electrolyte and Biomarker Studies
The patients thyroid function tests should be checked to exclude hyperthyroidism. Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia should be excluded.
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
MRI and CT
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Pathology
Gross Pathology
Microscopic Pathology
Other Diagnostic Studies
Risk Stratification and Prognosis
Treatment
Pharmacotherapy
Acute Pharmacotherapies
Chronic Pharmacotherapies
Surgery and Device Based Therapy
Indications for Surgery
Pre-Operative Assessment
Post-Operative Management
Transplantation
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
"The Way I Like To Do It ..." Tips and Tricks From Clinicians Around The World
Suggested Revisions to the Current Guidelines
References
External Links and Patient Resources
Acknowledgements
The content on this page was first contributed by: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D.