title: Atrial fibrillation: Part 1.
abstract: Part 1 of this two-part article on atrial fibrillation--a common cardiac rhythm abnormality--covers the mechanical and electrical functions of the heart. It also looks at cardiac monitoring and rhythm interpretation. Part two, published in next week's Nursing Standard, will discuss the predisposing factors, investigations and methods of treatment.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Department, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Walsgrave Hospital, Coventry. navass@uhcw.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Navas
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods