PCP notes describe the presence of atrial fibrillation for 10 days. Atenolol, sotalol and rivaroxaban are ordered. Possible ablation is discussed. Identify the type of atrial fibrillation described in this clinical scenario.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) type is determined largely by episode duration and whether the rhythm self-terminates. In outpatient CDI education,paroxysmal AFis intermittent and typically terminates spontaneously, commonly within7 days(often within 48 hours).Persistent AFis sustained and lastsmore than 7 days, or requires active intervention (e.g., cardioversion) to restore sinus rhythm. This scenario documents AF “for10 days,” which exceeds the 7-day threshold and therefore best fitspersistentAF. The management also aligns with a sustained arrhythmia strategy: rate control (atenolol), rhythm control/antiarrhythmic therapy (sotalol), stroke prevention anticoagulation (rivaroxaban), and discussion of catheter ablation, which is often considered for symptomatic or recurrent/persistent AF. “Chronic” is a nonspecific descriptor and not the preferred current classification term, andpermanent AFimplies a decision has been made not to pursue rhythm control (accepting AF long-term), which is not supported here because rhythm-control options are being considered.
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