What is the Difference Between Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

The key difference between paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation is that paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is a type of atrial fibrillation that occurs suddenly and resolves by itself within 7 days, while persistent atrial fibrillation is a type of atrial fibrillation that is continual and lasts for more than 7 days.

Atrial fibrillation is a condition that results in an irregular and very rapid heart rhythm. It is also a type of arrhythmia. Atrial fibrillation usually increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. It causes the heart to beat faster than normal. The three main types of atrial fibrillation are paroxysmal, persistent, and long-term persistent.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
3. What is Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
4. Similarities – Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
5. Paroxysmal vs. Persistent Atrial Fibrillation in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
7. Summary – Paroxysmal vs. Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

What is Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation?

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is a type of atrial fibrillation that is due to a rapid, irregular heartbeat, which begins suddenly and stops on its own within 7 days. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation has risk factors such as previous heart attack or heart surgery, heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, lung disease, overactive thyroid, excessive alcohol, smoking, other stimulants such as caffeine and some over-the-counter medications, illegal drugs, obesity, stress, poor sleep, and prolonged exercise. Moreover, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation has common symptoms such as a racing heart or palpitation, shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue or weakness, and nausea. The complications that are associated with this condition include heart failure or stroke.

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation can be diagnosed through physical examination and an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). Furthermore, treatment options for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation may include giving rate control medication, medical cardioversion, blood thinners or anticoagulants, and electrical cardioversion.

What is Persistent Atrial Fibrillation?

Persistent atrial fibrillation is a type of atrial fibrillation where an abnormal heartbeat continues for at least seven days straight. The risk factors for persistent atrial fibrillation are cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart surgery, heart valve, high blood pressure, pericarditis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension, certain medications, chronic health conditions such as kidney disease, asthma, sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, etc., electrolyte issues, family history, hyperthyroidism, severe infection, engage in high-intensity exercises or sports, experience frequent stress, and use of alcohol, caffeine, tobacco or recreational drugs. Moreover, the symptoms of persistent atrial fibrillation may include dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. The complications associated with this condition are blood clots, stroke, pulmonary embolism, and heart failure.

Persistent atrial fibrillation can be diagnosed through physical examination, electrocardiogram (EKG), complete blood test (CBC), stress test, sleep study, X-ray, and other additional imaging studies. Furthermore, treatment options for persistent atrial fibrillation may include lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and drinking less, giving medications such as beta-blockers, blood thinners, calcium channel blockers, catheter ablation, electrical cardioversion, and heart surgeries like left atrial appendage closure, permanent pacemaker, and heart surgery.

What are the Similarities Between Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation?

• Paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation are two different types of atrial fibrillation.
• Abnormal electrical pathways in the heart cause both types.
• They can cause complications.
• Both types can be diagnosed through physical examination, electrocardiogram, and imaging studies.
• They can be treated through lifestyle changes and specific medications.

What is the Difference Between Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation?

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is a type of atrial fibrillation that occurs suddenly and resolves by itself within 7 days, while persistent atrial fibrillation is a type of atrial fibrillation that is continual and lasts for more than 7 days. Thus, this is the key difference between paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation. Furthermore, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is a less common type of atrial fibrillation, while persistent atrial fibrillation is the most common type of atrial fibrillation.

The infographic below presents the differences between paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

FAQ: Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

What are the three different types of atrial fibrillation?

Paroxysmal, persistent, and long-standing persistent are the three types of atrial fibrillations.

Which type of fibrillation is the most serious?

Ventricular fibrillation is the most serious type of fibrillation.

What is the most common treatment for atrial fibrillation?

The most common way to treat atrial fibrillation is with drugs that control your heartbeat.

Summary – Paroxysmal vs. Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. Paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation are two different types of atrial fibrillation. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation occurs suddenly and resolves by itself within 7 days, while persistent atrial fibrillation is continual and lasts for more than 7 days. SO, this summarizes the difference between paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation.

 Reference:

1. “Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.” WebMD.
2. “Persistent Atrial Fibrillation – An Overview.” ScienceDirect.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation becoming persistent” By PeaBrainC – Vlastito djelo (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Atrial Fibrillation” By BruceBlaus – File:Atrial_Fibrillation.png (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia