What is an expected complication of atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that can lead to several complications, one of the most significant being systemic embolism. This occurs due to the formation of thrombi (blood clots) in the left atrium, particularly in the left atrial appendage, which is a common site for clot formation. When these clots dislodge, they can travel through the bloodstream and occlude various blood vessels, leading to complications such as stroke or peripheral embolism.

The risk of systemic embolism is particularly heightened in patients with atrial fibrillation, especially those who have underlying risk factors such as hypertension, heart failure, or prior history of embolic events. Therefore, the association between atrial fibrillation and systemic embolism is well-recognized and serves as a primary reason why anticoagulation therapy is often indicated in affected patients to mitigate this risk.

While deep vein thrombosis, cardiac tamponade, and pericarditis are important considerations in cardiology, they are not direct or expected complications of atrial fibrillation itself. Instead, they are associated with other cardiac conditions or events and do not arise specifically from the irregular rhythm characteristic of atrial fibrillation. This underscores the importance of recognizing systemic