Summary:
Like the chaos of a hailstorm on a tin roof comes the electrical storm of atrial fibrillation. During atrial fibrillation, the atria quiver (fibrillate) and fire hundreds of impulses from different locations at the same time. It’s as if the electrical circuits have gone haywire. AF is a major health, social and economic problem affecting more than 2 million American adults. It is becoming increasingly common as the population ages, affecting nearly 8% of people older than 80. By the middle of this century, it is estimated that more than 16 million people will have AF. The economic and social burden will continue to be significant, putting a strain on already limited healthcare resources. Respiratory therapists should be able to recognize this dysrhythmia, understand the etiologies and pathogenesis, and educate patients about treatment options so that they may make sound, evidence-based decisions about their treatment.
Objectives:
The goal of this program is to provide respiratory therapists with information about the incidence, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of atrial fibrillation. After studying the information presented here, you will be able to —
- Describe the mechanical events associated with AF with respect to cardiac anatomy and typical features of this dysrhythmia.
- Identify the diagnostic approach to defining etiological factors for AF.
- Discuss treatment strategies for AF.
Approval Information
This CE course is approved for respiratory therapists from 1/17/2012 to 1/17/2014.
This program has been approved for 1 contact hour of Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE) credit by the American Association for Respiratory Care, 9425 N. MacArthur Blvd., Suite 100, Irving, TX 75063. AARC Sponsor ID: 9514012. This is a non-traditional course.
If you are a respiratory therapist, remember to give us your AARC member number when filling out your license number information.
Gannett Education is also approved by the Florida Board of Respiratory Care (provider #FBN 50-1489).