Lone AF

Q: Young Patients with no structural heart disease, no cardiovascular risk factors, and a CHA2DS2-VASc score of "0" should be labeled as having "Lone Atrial Fibrillation (AF)."

A) True

B) False

Answer: B

In the past, such patients, as described in the question, have been frequently left alone as although they may have paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent AF - they are considered to have the lowest risk for thromboembolism from AF.

However, this approach is subpar, and the term "Lone AF" is now discouraged, as it may compromise care and may harm the patient (see reference # 2).

#cardiology

#patiet-safety

References:

1. January CT, Wann LS, Alpert JS, et al. 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on practice guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. Circulation 2014; 130:e199.

2. Wyse DG, Van Gelder IC, Ellinor PT, et al. Lone atrial fibrillation: does it exist? J Am Coll Cardiol 2014; 63:1715.