Atrial fibrillation: symptoms, risk factors, assessment and management
Intended for healthcare professionals
Evidence and practice    

Atrial fibrillation: symptoms, risk factors, assessment and management

Elaine Halley Francis Cardiology/coronary care staff nurse, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Wallsend, England

Why you should read this article:
  • To enhance your understanding of the symptoms, risk factors and management of atrial fibrillation

  • To appreciate the need for patients with atrial fibrillation to be involved in their care planning

  • To be aware of the importance of health promotion for patients with atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, and its prevalence increases significantly with age. It is linked to serious adverse outcomes, including stroke and other thromboembolic events, heart failure and other serious conditions. AF is categorised according to its persistence and duration and its management includes rhythm and rate control to address symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. As a common and potentially serious condition with high morbidity, AF is associated with significant burden on patients, healthcare services and public health, and it is essential for nurses to understand the condition. This article provides an overview of AF, including its diagnosis, symptoms, risk factors and management.

Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2023.e12012

Peer review

This article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software

Correspondence

elaine.francis@yahoo.co.uk

Conflict of interest

None declared

Francis EH (2023) Atrial fibrillation: symptoms, risk factors, assessment and management. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2023.e12012

Published online: 16 January 2023

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