Cardiac arrhythmias can present in different degrees of severity. There are heart conditions that you can live with and manage on a daily basis and others that require immediate attention. Atrial fibrillation is one of the most frequently observed types of arrhythmias (NIH, 2011). The best way to diagnose a heart condition is to read a heart strip (Ignatavicius & Workman, 2013). Heart strips play an important role in the nursing world by allowing the nurse and other trained medical professionals to interpret what the heart is doing. In a normal strip, a P wave is clearly recognized before each QRS complex, followed by a T wave; in atrial fibrillation, the sinoatrial node fires irregularly causing the absence of a clear P wave and an irregular QRS complex (Ignatavicius & Workman, 2013). It basically means that the atria, the upper chambers of the heart, contract too rapidly and a clear P wave is not identified due to this “fibrillation” (Ignatavicius & Workman, 2013). Clinical Manifestations and Pathophysiology A normal heart rhythm begins at the sinoatrial node and follows the conduction pathway of the heart smoothly. Typically the sinoatrial node fires between 60 and 100 times per minute (Ignatavicius & Workman, 2013). When a person suffers from atrial fibrillation, the sinoatrial node releases multiple rapid impulses at a rate of 350 -600 times per minute. When this happens, the ventricles respond by beating at around 120 to 200 beats per minute, making it difficult to identify an accurate heart rate. This arrhythmia can be the result of various things. During a normal heartbeat, the electrical impulse starts from the sinoatrial node and travels along the conduction pathway until the ventricles contract. Once this happens... half of the paper... it is recommended not only for patients with arrhythmias, but for everyone. It promotes a positive attitude, circulates blood, and has been shown to reduce stress levels (Shea & Sears, 2008) Conclusion As previously mentioned, atrial fibrillation is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias in the world. It is easily treatable and manageable as long as the patient follows the advice of medical professionals. The exact cause and triggers of atrial fibrillation are unknown and are still being researched today. Through patient education, treatment regimen, healthy diet, understanding your condition, and awareness of your emotional health are key when it comes to the management of atrial fibrillation. Works Cited Ignatavicius, DD, & Workman, ML (2013). Medical-surgical nursing: Patient-centered collaborative care (7th ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders.