Which type of atrial fibrillation lasts longer than 1 year and does not revert to normal sinus rhythm?

The type of atrial fibrillation that lasts longer than one year and does not revert to normal sinus rhythm is known as permanent atrial fibrillation. In this condition, the abnormal heart rhythm has been sustained over an extended period, and efforts to restore normal sinus rhythm are either not pursued or are unsuccessful. Patients with permanent atrial fibrillation typically remain in this state indefinitely, and this form of AF represents a chronic condition requiring long-term management strategies, particularly concerning rate control and anticoagulation to reduce stroke risk.

Other forms of atrial fibrillation differ in their duration and rhythm characteristics. First diagnosed AF refers to the initial detection of the condition, while paroxysmal AF is characterized by episodes that spontaneously resolve, often within a week. Persistent AF lasts for more than seven days or requires intervention for termination but can revert to normal sinus rhythm with appropriate treatment. In contrast, permanent AF is distinctly recognized by its permanence and lack of return to a normal rhythm, making it crucial to understanding the management and implications of this condition in clinical practice.