20
Introduction
Figure 4. AF Stages: Evolution of Atrial Arrhythmia Progression
1 2
At risk for AF Pre-AF
Presence of
modifiable and
nonmodifiable
risk factors
associated with
AF.
Modifiable risk
factors:
• Obesity
• Lack of fitness
• Hypertension
• Sleep apnea
• Alcohol
• Diabetes
Nonmodifiable
risk factors:
• Genetics
• Male sex
• Age
Evidence of
structural
or electrical
findings
further
predisposing a
patient to AF:
• Atrial
enlargement
• Frequent
atrial ectopy
• Short bursts
of atrial
tachycardia
(AT)
• Atrial flutter
• Other high
AF risk
scenarios*
Paroxysmal AF
(3A)
AF that is
intermittent and
terminates within
≤7 d of onset
Persistent AF
(3B)
AF that is continuous
and sustains for
>7 d and requires
intervention
Consider
heightened
surveillance
Treat Modifiable Risk Factors
* Heart failure, valve disease, CAD, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), neuromuscular
disorders, thyroid disease.
2.2. Atrial Arrhythmia Classification and Definitions
