Atrial fibrillation (AF) remains the most common heart arrhythmia in the general population and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Appropriate identification and treatment is critical to prevent potential devastating short- and long-term outcomes. NPs in all areas of practice will encounter patients with various stages of AF, and therefore must be able to identify, classify and treat this common arrhythmia. Focus on risk factors associated with AF, the classification of AF, along with various treatment options and guideline updates.

Kristine Scordo, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, FAANP; Director and Professor, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program, College of Nursing & Health, Wright State University – Miami Valley; Dayton OH and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Schuster and Associates Cardiology; Dayton OH