Master ECG: Atrial Fibrillation with Picmonic for Medicine

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF

ECG: Atrial Fibrillation

ECG with Atria-heart Alarm-clock

Picmonic

Atrial fibrillation is dysrhythmia characterized by ineffective atrial contraction due to multiple ectopic foci within the atria. The rate is variable with the atria between 350 to 600 bpm and the ventricles varying between 120 to 200 bpm. The rhythm is irregular. Although the QRS interval is normal, the P waves are replaced with chaotic fibrillatory waves. Causes of atrial fibrillation include myocardial infarction, lung disease, valve disease, and thyrotoxicosis. Medications to treat atrial fibrillation include digoxin, amiodarone, calcium channel blockers, and beta blockers. Cardioversion may be indicated to restore sinus rhythm.

5 KEY FACTS

The heart rate is variable with the atria ranging between 350 to 600 bpm and the ventricles varying between 120 to 200 bpm.

During atrial fibrillation, the rhythm is usually irregular. Any time you find an irregularly irregular heart rate you should always have atrial fibrillation in the back of your mind.

The P wave is absent in individuals with atrial fibrillation. This lack of a P wave causes the lack of an atrial kick. Instead, chaotic fibrillatory waves are present and may appear similar to random P waves. This lack of timing causes decreased ventricular filling and poor perfusion.

In atrial fibrillation, there is no sensible PR interval. This is because of incomplete atrial depolarization, which does not allow a PR interval to form. Without the formation of a PR interval, and repeated incomplete P firings the PR interval cannot be appreciated and the R-R interval is variable.

Like normal sinus rhythm, the QRS interval of individuals with atrial fibrillation is less than 0.12 seconds.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Recommended Picmonics

Parts of an ECG

ECG Interpretation

ECG: Atrial Flutter

ECG: Sinus Bradycardia

ECG: Sinus Tachycardia

Take the ECG: Atrial Fibrillation Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

See more reviews

Picmonic for Medicine Covers

Medicine (MD/DO)
2,100+ Videos
24,000+ Facts

*Average video play time: 2-3 minutes

Search for a specific Video or category now!

Or create your own Picmonic

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Ace Your Medicine (MD/DO) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,960,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Medicine (MD/DO) student study app.

Picmonic for Medicine (MD/DO) covers information that is relevant to your entire Medicine (MD/DO) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, COMLEX Level 1, or COMLEX Level 2, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Medicine (MD/DO) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.