AF Education for Atrial Fibrillation

Current treatment trends have largely maintained this pattern of care. Although many patient variables are identifiable, a precise definition of atrial fibrillation is complicated. This defines the current status of research in this area. New data continue to accumulate; many of the existing treatment strategies are not entirely clear-cut.

Atrial fibrillation refers to an abnormality involving the electrical conduction system of the heart. It is common amongst people who do not have any other risk factors. A single beat of fowl-like flutter is characterised by a rapid regular beat at a rate of 100 times a second. The flutter pattern may change from left to right atrial (or possibly bilateral) atrium, or is consistent throughout the whole body.\n

Atrial fibrillation cannot be cured. The primary therapeutic strategy is to reduce and prevent its recurrence. Atrial fibrillation prevention is recommended. In the last decade, advances in treatment have reduced the proportion of patients in whom treatment is not adequate and those in whom it is not necessary.

About 1,230,000 people will have a first episode of atrial fibrillation in 2019. Atrial fibrillation is a life-threatening problem among the younger population that needs to be carefully monitored.

Atrial flutter resolves within 10 days of initiation of antiarrhythmic therapy. Atrial fibrillation resolves within 24 hours of initiation of treatment with warfarin. Atrial flutter is most commonly cured with a course of antiarrhythmic therapy and prompt initiation of warfarin. Atrial fibrillation is most commonly cured with amiodarone. Atrial fibrillation persists when warfarin is inadequate, and typically resolves with antiarrhythmic therapy in conjunction with the correction of mechanical heart valve prosthesis thrombogenesis.

A high-risk group for sudden cardiac death can be identified on the basis of the following: age ≥40, atrial fibrillation, previous atrial fibrillation, or left bundle arm block. There is no reliable method available to identify the initial fibrillation, and the best approach for prevention of sudden cardiac death in these high-risk patients remains unknown since a preventive strategy for this population has yet to be shown to be effective.

In a recent study, findings have demonstrated that AF education is of benefit. However, it remains important that AF education and intervention be improved to be effective.

Overall, this is a very valuable study with respect to AF education and it highlights the common misconception that 'AF education is a medication the same one as the “Cure” for atrial fibrillation', and for the most part it is not. For example, many of my patients come in very distressed by AF and it has long been known that a change in lifestyle is essential to the successful management and a cure of AF. There are many drugs that would fit the criteria of AF cure but they are not effective enough to be a valid cure. It’s not a cure but it has the potential to help in reducing the symptoms of AF such as fatigue and shortness of breath.

While knowledge as only weakly correlated to compliance with the AF guidelines, it is clear that the education on anti-AF measures must be targeted to improve compliance with the rules.

In the present research, we provided an overview of the state-of-the-art knowledge of patients with atrial fibrillation following their education as a group or on an individual basis. A significant learning effect was demonstrated after the third educational intervention period in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing cardioversion.

Af education has a significant impact on the quality of life of people with AF, and it appears that education, with particular emphasis on communication and lifestyle aspects, have less impact on patients' quality of life.