AF Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield AF facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which patient fall risk factor is MOST directly linked to AF pharmacotherapy? → Hypokalemia from loop diuretics used in HF-related AF
2. When preparing the groin for femoral arterial access in an AF ablation procedure, the recommended skin antiseptic agent is: → Chlorhexidine gluconate with isopropyl alcohol, allowed to dry completely
3. Which beta-blocker is specifically approved for rate control in AF and also reduces hospitalizations in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction? → Metoprolol succinate
4. Which principle of biomedical ethics most directly supports a patient's right to be told the truth about their AF diagnosis and prognosis? → Veracity
5. The 'pill-in-the-pocket' approach to rhythm control in AF typically uses which agent? → Flecainide or propafenone
6. Which antiarrhythmic drug is considered the most effective for maintaining sinus rhythm in AF but has the most serious long-term toxicity profile? → Amiodarone
7. Which ion channel is primarily responsible for the plateau (phase 2) of the cardiac action potential in ventricular cardiomyocytes? → L-type calcium (Cav1.2)
8. In a patient with AF and Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, which drug is most dangerous and should be avoided? → AV nodal blocking agents (digoxin, verapamil, diltiazem)
9. Which international coding system is primarily used in U.S. hospitals to classify atrial fibrillation for billing and statistical purposes? → ICD-10-CM
10. The sinus node artery most commonly arises from which coronary artery? → Right coronary artery (in ~60% of individuals)
11. What constitutes a boundary violation in professional practice? → Engaging in dual relationships that could impair professional judgment
12. A patient with AF develops tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. What is the expected outcome after achieving adequate rate or rhythm control? → Partial or complete recovery of left ventricular function over weeks to months
13. A patient reports that their palpitations always start after consuming alcohol. This finding is BEST described as: → Holiday heart syndrome
14. Which echocardiographic finding most commonly predisposes to AF development by increasing left atrial size? → Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction
15. Following cardioversion of AF to sinus rhythm, anticoagulation should be continued for at least how long regardless of CHA₂DS₂-VASc score? → 4 weeks
16. Andexanet alfa (Andexxa) is used as a reversal agent specifically for which class of anticoagulants? → Factor Xa inhibitors (rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban)
17. Which patient with AF and AF-related stroke history should receive anticoagulation therapy? → Any patient, as prior stroke gives a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥ 2
18. Why is regular preventive maintenance important? → It extends equipment life, ensures accuracy, and prevents unexpected failures
19. What is the primary purpose of documenting a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score in the AF patient record? → To justify and guide anticoagulation therapy decisions
20. What is a primary strategy in rhythm control for AF? → Electrical cardioversion
21. An AF patient is being treated with dronedarone and develops influenza. The primary infection safety concern related to AF management is: → Fever and dehydration can precipitate thromboembolic events in AF patients
22. Which anatomical consideration is most important when performing procedures near joints? → Awareness of surrounding ligaments, tendons, and neurovascular structures
23. Amiodarone is classified as which Vaughan-Williams antiarrhythmic drug class? → Class III
24. During catheter ablation for AF, which vein(s) are the primary target for electrical isolation? → Pulmonary veins
25. According to ACC/AHA valve disease guidelines, which valvular condition defines 'valvular AF' requiring vitamin K antagonist therapy rather than DOACs? → Moderate-to-severe mitral stenosis or mechanical heart valves
26. In atrial fibrillation, the RR intervals on the ECG are best described as: → Irregularly irregular with no repeating pattern
27. A patient with AF is started on dofetilide. Which precaution is mandatory during initiation? → In-hospital ECG monitoring for at least 3 days due to risk of torsades de pointes
28. Which type of AF is defined as a first detected episode with no prior history of AF? → First-diagnosed AF
29. Which weight management-related education point is most relevant for an obese AF patient? → Sustained weight loss of 10% or more significantly reduces AF episodes and severity
30. Which class of antiarrhythmic drugs blocks sodium channels (class IC) and is used exclusively for rhythm control in patients without structural heart disease? → Flecainide and propafenone