All the following are true about Atrial fibrillation, except
**Core Concept**
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of supraventricular tachyarrhythmia characterized by rapid and irregular heartbeats due to chaotic electrical activity in the atria. It leads to decreased cardiac output and increased risk of thromboembolic events.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Atrial fibrillation results from abnormal electrical activity in the atria, which can be triggered by various factors such as hypertension, heart failure, valvular disease, or coronary artery disease. The irregular heartbeats lead to reduced cardiac efficiency, resulting in decreased cardiac output and potentially life-threatening complications like stroke. The pathophysiology involves complex interplay between multiple ion channels, receptors, and signaling pathways in the atrial myocytes.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This statement is correct about atrial fibrillation, as it is indeed associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events due to blood stasis in the atria.
**Option B:** This statement is also correct, as atrial fibrillation is a common complication in patients with heart failure, valvular disease, or coronary artery disease.
**Option C:** This statement is not true about atrial fibrillation; it is actually associated with a decreased cardiac output, not an increased one.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Atrial fibrillation can be challenging to manage, especially in patients with multiple comorbidities. It's crucial to consider the underlying cause and address it promptly to prevent long-term complications.
**Correct Answer: C. Atrial fibrillation is associated with decreased cardiac output.**