Which term describes AF episodes that terminate spontaneously within seven days?

Which term describes AF episodes that terminate spontaneously within seven days?

• A. Persistent AF
• B. Paroxysmal AF
• C. Long-standing AF
• D. Nonvalvular AF

Answer: (B)

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation describes episodes that start and stop on their own, terminating within seven days (often within 24–48 hours). This duration pattern is what sets paroxysmal AF apart from persistent AF, which lasts longer than seven days and typically requires intervention to terminate. Long-standing persistent AF refers to continuous AF lasting more than 12 months, and nonvalvular AF simply describes AF not caused by a valvular issue, not its episode length. In this case, the spontaneous termination within seven days points to paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation describes episodes that start and stop on their own, terminating within seven days (often within 24–48 hours). This duration pattern is what sets paroxysmal AF apart from persistent AF, which lasts longer than seven days and typically requires intervention to terminate. Long-standing persistent AF refers to continuous AF lasting more than 12 months, and nonvalvular AF simply describes AF not caused by a valvular issue, not its episode length. In this case, the spontaneous termination within seven days points to paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.