Emergency Department NUH

Acute Atrial Fibrillation

For all patients with fast AF, evaluate for underlying cause and treat appropriately:
Infection, hyperthyroidism, dehydration, myocardial infarction, COPD, haemorrhage, medication error, poisoning

Anti-arrhythmics – cautions & contra-indications:

All may be negatively inotropic, especially in combination. Check BNF for drug interactions
Amiodarone: Sino-atrial block and conduction disturbances, severe hypotension, thyroid disease, CCF, pregnancy & breast-feeding.
Flecainide: Atrial flutter, CCF, structural heart disease, recent MI
B-blockers: asthma / COPD, uncontrolled heart failure, sick sinus syndrome, heart block, hypotension, severe peripheral vascular disease
Ca channel blockers: heart failure, hypotension, sick sinus syndrome, heart block, AF with WPW, VT, pregnancy & breast-feeding
Digoxin: heart block, WPW, VT

Investigations: FBC, VBG (all), TFT, LFT, CXR (if new AF), additional tests if condition requires

Are there signs of haemodynamic compromise DUE to the AF?

Caution: compromise due to AF is rare. Compromise is more frequently due to the underlying condition, which must be treated first: eg sepsis
causing hypotension, chronic LV dysfunction, AMI causing chest pain. If unsure that the fast AF is the primary problem, seek senior advice

No Yes
Contacts
Is the AF known to have started within 48 hours? If not certain, assume No
Electrophysiology SpR at Barts (24/7):
Mobile: 07810 878 450
Fax: 0207 600 3069
No Yes Cardiology SpR: bleep 148 (in hours)

Rate Control Rhythm Control Synchronised DC Cardioversion

If rapid rate control needed, use iv doses If symptoms or signs of heart failure or structural
CAUTION: Higher risk of side-effects heart disease, request urgent ECHO Senior Dr to review
(CAUTION: dilated cardiomyopathy may have few clinical signs. Procedural sedation
1. Metoprolol 25 mg tds po Rate control may be preferred if significant co-morbidities
(RSI not usually required)
Metoprolol 5mg iv (repeat if necessary) or frail elderly patient)
Call anaesthetist bleep 095 if
OR support required
If none of the above, ECHO is not required
2. Verapamil 40 mg tds po Anteroposterior pad positions
Verapamil 5 mg iv (see cautions above) 0900 – 1700: Synchronised DC shock:
OR Cardiology SpR bleep 148 or 200 J
3. Digoxin 500 mcg po/iv, repeat after 4 hours Clinical Measurement Technician on 8039 360 J
(a third dose may be given)
Maintenance 62.5 – 250 mcg depending on age, Consider Amiodarone if resistant to
weight and renal function 2nd shock – discuss with Barts
Use digoxin as first line in: Is the Echo normal / not required?
No
elderly (assume abnormal if unable to do)
immobile Yes Cardioverted to sinus rhythm?
CCF
If No, follow Rate Control
OR Treatment
4. If haemodynamically unstable or shock resistant: Option 1:
Amiodarone 150 – 300 mg iv over 20 minutes Yes
Synchronised DC Cardioversion (see red box)
(success rate 70-90%)
Admit
Anticoagulate Option 2: Indications for monitored bed:
Indicated if CHA2DS2VASc score of 2 or more Flecainide 2mg/kg iv over 30 – 60 minutes ACS with on-going chest pain
(score 1 or more if male) Max 150 mg (even if ECG normal)
IF HAS-BLED 3 or more discuss with senior (success rate 40-70%) Ischaemic ECG (unless 6 hour
Prescribe tinzaparin 175 units / kg sc od until seen troponin negative)
in anticoagulation clinic AF persists with rate > 130 or
Has the patient cardioverted to sinus rhythm? ongoing anti-arrhythmic drug
infusions
Discharge Criteria:
Haemodynamic instability
No haemodynamic compromise
No Yes GCS less than 15 post sedation
Heart rate < 110 for 2 hours

If first presentation, request ECHO

(request on EPR ‘CV Echocardiogram – indicate outpatient test)
Cardiology OPD referral form sent
(fax with ECGs – AF and post cardioversion) CHA2DS2VASc Score HAS-BLED
Give patient copy of letter & ECGs
Anticoagulant Clinic follow-up if needed: C = history of CCF 1 H = history of hypertension 1
Email H = history of hypertension 1 A = Abnormal renal function 1
NUH_DVTANTICOAGNURSES1@bartshealth.nhs.uk A = Age 75 years or more 2 A = Abnormal liver function 1
including: D = Diabetes Mellitus 1 S = Stroke 1
Patient initials, DOB, hospital number, home and S = History of stroke or TIA 2 B = Bleeding 1
mobile numbers V = Vascular disease 1 L = Labile INR 1
A = Age 65 – 74 1 E = Elderly (> 65) 1
Advise patient to attend Forrest Ward, 1st floor, S = Sex (female) 1 D = Drugs / Alcohol 1
zone 9, 10.30 next working day

ECAM Guidelines Group v3 July 2015 [review July 2017]

 Emergency Department
Acute Atrial Fibrillation

Lead Author

Consultant Emergency Medicine

Co-Authors / Collaborators

Consultant Cardiologists
Anticoagulation Nurses

Reference Documents

Management of Atrial Fibrillation, NICE CG180, June 2014

British National Formulary

ECAM Guidelines Group v3 July 2015 [review July 2017]