title: Atrial fibrillation.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) results from the chaotic depolarization of atrial tissue and is the most common dysrhythmia diagnosed in United States (US) emergency departments. AF affects greater than 1% of the general population, with a peak prevalence of 10% in those greater than 80 years of age. By 2050, it is estimated that nearly 16 million US patients will suffer from AF. AF has significant health effects, and places a considerable economic burden on the health care system. This article discusses recommendations that are derived from a combination of existing guidelines, additional evidence, and consensus.
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University, 464 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT 06519, USA. laura.bontempo@yale.edu
authors: Laura J
authors: LJ
authors: Bontempo
authors: Eric
authors: E
authors: Goralnick
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D004554:Electric Countershock; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000925:Anticoagulants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D006493:Heparin