Atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF), often abbreviated as AFib, is a common type of arrhythmia characterized by the loss of regular and organized atrial electrical activity, replaced by rapid and chaotic fibrillatory waves. It represents a severe disturbance of atrial electrical activity, predominantly affecting older adults, and typically manifests as an irregular and rapid heart rate. It can be primarily categorized into the following types: First-diagnosed AF: This refers to AF detected for the first time, regardless of other characteristics, and can be any of the subsequent four types. Paroxysmal AF: AF that lasts for ≤ 7 days (typically ≤ 48 hours) and terminates spontaneously or after treatment. Persistent AF: AF that lasts for > 7 days and terminates after treatment. Long-standing persistent AF: AF that has lasted for ≥ 1 year, where the patient desires to restore normal heart rhythm and undergoes appropriate treatment to achieve sinus rhythm. Permanent AF: AF that has lasted for > 1 year. It cannot be terminated or recurs after termination, and both the physician and patient decide to abandon attempts to restore sinus rhythm.
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