Permanent atrial fibrillation

What it means

Atrial fibrillation (AF) that cannot be successfully terminated by cardioversion, and longstanding (more than 1 year) AF, where cardioversion is not indicated or has not been attempted, is termed permanent.

The natural history of atrial fibrillation (AF) is characterized by a gradual worsening with time. AF itself produces changes in atrial function and structure. Note there is no precise definition of the duration of AF required to be regarded as chronic.

Rare diseases that can present with this1

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Chronic atrial fibrillation