Diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation in the acute care setting.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the causes of atrial fibrillation (AF), risk factors, and pathophysiology, and review current treatment guidelines for AF in the inpatient setting.


METHODS
Peer-reviewed medical and nursing journals, American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA), and European Society of Cardiology (ESC) practice guidelines.


CONCLUSIONS
There are many predisposing factors to AF and a variety of treatment modalities. Nurse practitioners (NPs) should acquaint themselves with the pathophysiology and evidence-based treatments in order to provide individually based care to patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Pharmacological management is often warranted in patients with AF. NPs must be aware of updated clinical evidence in order to properly treat patients to provide symptomatic relief and improve quality of life.
Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA. nottingham75@gmail.com
Fatima
F
Nottingham
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing*; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents