Atrial Fibrillation Burden
The percentage of time a patient spends in atrial fibrillation, typically measured through continuous cardiac monitoring devices.
Full Definition
Atrial fibrillation burden refers to the temporal quantification of atrial fibrillation episodes, usually expressed as the percentage of time a patient spends in atrial fibrillation over a given monitoring period. In geriatric cardiology, AF burden assessment is crucial for stroke risk stratification and anticoagulation decisions, particularly in elderly patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Modern cardiac devices and monitors can provide precise burden measurements, helping clinicians distinguish between minimal intermittent AF and high-burden persistent AF that may require different management strategies.
Usage
Usage note: Express as percentage when possible; specify monitoring duration and method.
In Context
- "The patient's atrial fibrillation burden was 15% over the 30-day monitoring period." — Cardiac device interrogation report
- "High atrial fibrillation burden supported the decision to initiate anticoagulation therapy." — Electrophysiology consultation note