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Atrial fibrillation is an atrial rhythm that is ineffective, chaotic, irregular and rapid - 300 to 600 beats per minute. This condition results in an irregular ventricular rate because the impulses from the atria approach the atrioventricular node from varying angles and at varying intervals. Atrial fibrillation is often seen in the elderly and generally is asymptomatic. If atrial fibrillation occurs when there is a large atrium, for example in mitral stenosis, then this is a predisposing factor to the development of thromboembolism.
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