Post-Mortem Teaching - Heart

Question 1

What causes Afib?

Answer 1

Atriaal

Any heart disease
ThyRotoxicosis
Irritation to atria e.g. a tumour
Aging
ALcohol

Question 2

How does Afib develop?

Answer 2

Prolonged excessive stretch/strain on the atrium leads to structural connective tissue changes which disrupt ion movement and so movement of conduction.
This leads to pacemaker cells outwith the SA node triggering ventricular contraction so you end up with multiple signals causing ventricular contractions and so a fast irregularly irregular heart beat

Question 3

Why would Afib lead to a mural thrombus?

Answer 3

The atrium isnt contracting properly so some blood doesnt get expelled, most likely in the auricles.
(Often embolises causing stroke)