Types of Atrial Fibrillation

AF is classified according to the clinical burden of abnormal rhythm.

• Paroxysmal refers to AF which ceases spontaneously within 7 days of onset.
• Persistent refers to AF which continues beyond 7 days, and which requires either chemical or electrical intervention to terminate.
• Longstanding persistent refers to persistent AF of at least one year's duration.

The key distinction is between paroxysmal and non-paroxysmal (persistent) AF. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is understood largely to originate from the junction of the pulmonary veins within the left atrium, a fairly localized zone readily treatable by both catheter and surgical techniques. Patients typically experience paroxysmal AF early in their courses. However, most paroxysmal AF patients continue on to develop AF which does not terminate spontaneously, even with medicines.

The source of AF in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation typically involves the left atrium, for which a surgical approach such as the five-box thoracoscopic maze procedure offers a superior treatment in most cases. If you would like more information about the types of AF or surgical options for treating atrial fibrillation, request a phone consultation with Dr. John Sirak or call his appointment phone at (614) 366-7414.