Atrial fibrillation electrocardiogram

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Electrocardiogram

Main article: Electrocardiogram

Atrial fibrillation is diagnosed on an electrocardiogram, an investigation performed routinely whenever irregular heart beat is suspected. Characteristic findings are the absence of P waves, with unorganized electrical activity in their place, and irregularity of R-R interval due to irregular conduction of impulses to the ventricles.:

• Interpreted by software: sensitivity = 83%, specificity = 99%
• Interpreted by a primary care physician: sensitivity = 80%, specificity = 92%
• Interpreted by a primary care physician with software: sensitivity = 92%, specificity = 91%

If paroxysmal AF is suspected but the electrocardiogram shows a regular rhythm, episodes may be documented with the use of Holter monitoring (continuous ECG recording for 24 hours). If the symptoms are very infrequent, longer periods of continuous monitoring may be required.

External EKG Sources

• John Vozenilek's (MD) ECG Collection
• ECGpedia