*Lone atrial fibrillation occurs without any underlying heart disease or structural heart abnormalities.
To help understand this arrhythmia, click here to review normal and abnormal conduction.
Atrial fibrillation is not
usually a chronic condition. Rather, "attacks" may be triggered by
stress, hypoglycemia, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, chocolate, and allergic reactions
to other substances (Larsen, 1996). The individual may feel dizziness, palpitations,
breathlessness, and even chest pain. These symptoms reflect a possible deterioration
of the patient’s hemodynamic status due to the loss of atrial kick.
As we can see from the information about "generic" atrial fibrillation, lone atrial fibrillation (LAF) is a specific subcategory. LAF typically strikes young adults. The majority of individuals who are affected are less than 65 years of age.
The severity of complications
associated with lone atrial fibrillation may be based upon the nature of the
problem. The prognosis for young patients with acute LAF is very good. However,
patients who are experiencing chronic LAF may be at risk for embolic events
(Scardi, et.al., 1999).