AF Diagnosis & Risk 4

Question 1

Which condition is the most common reversible cause of AF that must be excluded at initial diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Answer

Hyperthyroidism is a well-established reversible cause of AF; thyroid function tests (TSH) should be obtained in all patients with new-onset AF.

Question 2

The term 'lone AF' historically referred to AF in patients who were:

Accepted Answer

Young (<60 years) with no structural heart disease or cardiovascular risk factors

Answer

Lone AF was classically defined as AF in patients younger than 60 with no identifiable structural heart disease or cardiovascular risk factors, though this term is now considered outdated.

Question 3

On a 12-lead ECG, the baseline in AF is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Fibrillatory baseline with irregular undulations replacing distinct P waves

Answer

AF produces a chaotic, fibrillatory baseline with disorganized atrial activity at 350-600 impulses per minute, replacing organized P waves.

Question 4

A 55-year-old woman with AF, no structural heart disease, and no other comorbidities has a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1 (female sex). What is the recommended anticoagulation approach?

Accepted Answer

Anticoagulation may be omitted or considered optional as female sex alone confers minimal net benefit

Answer

Current ACC/AHA guidelines recommend that female sex alone (score of 1) does not warrant anticoagulation initiation, as the net clinical benefit is uncertain.

Question 5

Which echocardiographic finding most commonly predisposes to AF development by increasing left atrial size?

Accepted Answer

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction

Answer

LV diastolic dysfunction raises left atrial filling pressures over time, causing atrial dilation and fibrosis that create the substrate for AF.

(AF) Atrial Fibrillation Certification Practice Test

(AF) Atrial Fibrillation Certification Practice Test

AF Diagnosis & Risk 4