Atrial fibrillation physical examination

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

The hemodynamic stability of the patient should be first assessed. The patient should also be examined for the presence of reversible causes of atrial fibrillation.

Vitals

The pulse is irregularly irregular. In general the heart rate is 100-140 beats per minute. Rarely is the pulse 150-170 beats per minute in the presence of atrial fibrillation. In the setting of drug toxicity or hypothermia, the pulse may be slower. The blood pressure should be checked as hypertension is one of the leading causes of atrial fibrillation.

HEENT

The patient should be examined for the presence of exopthalmos or thyroid abnormalities.

Cardiovascular

The patient should be examined to assess for the presence of congestive heart failure or hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.