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ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: most common dysrhythmia, usually due to hypertension and coronary artery disease. PAROXYSMAL: short episodes lasting usually < 24H up to 7D. PERSISTENT: lasts > 7D. PERMANENT: failed cardioversion, lasting > 1YR. LONE: single episode in absence of structural heart disease. EKG: irregular irregular, absent p-waves, narrow QRS. TREATMENT: rate (beta or calcium channel blockers, digoxin, amiodarone if hypotension is an issue), cardiovert ok if duration < 48H (anticoag first if > 48H and for 4wks post cardioversion), radioablation.



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