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Inconsistent AFib Management Sparks Interest
- Dr. Alan Wauke became interested in atrial fibrillation in sepsis during fellowship when he saw many ICU patients develop it.
- He found inconsistent advice from attendings and cardiologists, prompting him to research this underexplored area.
Assess Stability and Confirm Arrhythmia
- Assess how stable the patient is and if other vital signs or mental status have acutely changed.
- Confirm arrhythmia type with EKG as sudden heart rate increases usually indicate an arrhythmia rather than sinus tachycardia.
Sepsis Triggers Atrial Fibrillation Mechanisms
- Sepsis increases the risk of new onset atrial fibrillation by about sevenfold due to factors like inflammation, electrolyte imbalances, and sympathetic stimulation.
- Patients often have predisposing atrial remodeling, but sepsis triggers the arrhythmia.