The symptom experience of early and late treatment seekers before an atrial fibrillation diagnosis.

Background: Atrial fibrillation is a complex condition associated with a broad spectrum of symptoms, coupled with variability in the frequency, duration and severity of symptoms. Early treatment seeking is important to reduce the risk of stroke, heart failure and dementia. Despite the increasing prevalence, there remains a limited understanding of the symptom experience prior to an atrial fibrillation diagnosis, and how these experiences influence treatment-related decisions and time frames.

Gender and the Symptom Experience before an Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the world. Despite the increasing prevalence, there remains a limited understanding of how the pre-diagnosis symptom experience varies by gender. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively explore gender differences/similarities in the pre-diagnosis period of AF.

The Symptom Experience of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Before Their Initial Diagnosis.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common form of dysrhythmia, steadily increases in prevalence with age. If left untreated, AF significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and death. Despite the increasing prevalence, there are significant research gaps in the prediagnosis symptom experiences of patients with AF.

The Stressors and Coping Strategies of Older Adults With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Prior to and Following Direct Current Cardioversion.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the stressors and coping strategies of older adults with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) before and after direct current cardioversion.

Method: The study used a qualitative descriptive design. Sixteen patients were recruited through an AF clinic to participate in individual interviews prior to the cardioversion and at 6 and 12 weeks post procedure.