Categories of atrial fibrillation:
(1) first-detected episode
(2) recurrent paroxysmal: self-terminating and usually lasting <= 7 days
(3) recurrent persistent: not self-terminating and usually lasting > 7 days
(4) permanent: long-term, either fails cardioversion or cardioversion not attempted
Risk factors for atrial fibrillation:
(1) hypertension
(2) alcohol abuse
(3) coronary artery disease (CAD)
(4) valvular heart disease
(5) cardiomyopathy
(6) hyperthyroidism
Most patients with a first-detected episode or recurrent paroxysmal AF corrected spontaneously to normal sinus rhythm (NSR) within 48 hours of hospital admission. This may require control of any triggering condition.
A patient with recurrent persistent AF requires chemical and/or electrical cardioversion.
