University:
West Coast University
Course:
PHAR 840 | Immunologic Conditions and Special Populations
Academic year:

2024
Views:

45

Pages:

2
Author:

Asal A.

3/26/25, 10:00 AM OneNote Presentation Tuesday, March 25, 2025 8:18 PM Atrial Fibrillation (AF) 1. Professional Communication (1 minute) Introduction: "Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am a student pharmacist. Today, I’ll be discussing atrial fibrillation (AF)." Professional Dress and Confidence: Maintain eye contact, speak clearly, and dress professionally. Medical Terminology: Use appropriate medical language throughout the presentation. 2. Background Information (2 minutes) Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia, characterized by irregular atrial electrical activity leading to ineffective contraction and an increased risk of stroke. Epidemiology: AF has a higher prevalence in older adults. It significantly contributes to stroke and heart failure morbidity and mortality. Classification: ○ Paroxysmal AF: Resolves within 7 days, often spontaneously. ○ Persistent AF: Lasts beyond 7 days but is reversible with treatment. ○ Permanent AF: Chronic and not responsive to treatment. Risk Factors: ○ Hypertension ○ Heart failure ○ Diabetes 3. Pathophysiology and Etiology (1 minute) Pathophysiology: AF results from disorderly atrial electrical activity, causing ineffective atrial contraction, reduced cardiac output, and an increased risk of thromboembolic events (e.g., stroke). Etiology: AF develops due to structural and electrical remodeling of the atria, often triggered by hypertension, ischemic heart disease, or hyperthyroidism. 4. Signs and Symptoms (1 minute) Symptoms: ○ Palpitations https://americancareercollege-my.sharepoint.com/personal/cvo1_u_westcoastuniversity_edu/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc={5ba16cd8-9933-4504-ade5-0b389535a42c}&action=view&wd=target%28Topic Presentation.… 1/2 3/26/25, 10:00 AM ○ ○ OneNote Fatigue Shortness of breath Diagnostic Criteria: ○ ECG: Irregularly irregular rhythm with absent P waves ○ CHA₂DS₂-VASc score: Assesses stroke risk ○ Echocardiography: Evaluates structural heart disease 5. Treatment (2 minutes) Non-Pharmacological Strategies: ○ Electrical or pharmacologic cardioversion ○ Catheter ablation for symptomatic AF Pharmacological Approach: First-line Agents: ○ Anticoagulation: apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran (DOACs > warfarin) ▪ Prevent stroke, while rate or rhythm control reduces symptoms and improve heart function ▪ Clinical Pearl: DOACs do not require routine INR monitoring but have renal dose adjustments. ○ Rate Control: Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem), digoxin ▪ Clinical Pearl: Beta-blockers can cause bradycardia; monitor HR and BP. ○ Rhythm Control: Antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone, flecainide) ▪ Clinical Pearl: Amiodarone requires thyroid and liver function monitoring. Duration of Therapy: ○ Lifelong anticoagulation for high stroke risk ○ Rate or rhythm control as needed for symptoms 6. Guidelines: • 2019 AHA/ACC/HRS Atrial Fibrillation Guidelines 7. Questions (1 minute) Be prepared to discuss drug interactions, monitoring, and contraindications of anticoagulants. https://americancareercollege-my.sharepoint.com/personal/cvo1_u_westcoastuniversity_edu/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc={5ba16cd8-9933-4504-ade5-0b389535a42c}&action=view&wd=target%28Topic Presentation.… 2/2