- Jordan Murray
- Summer 2026
Faculty instructor: Kelsey Pascoe
Abstract
Background: A-fib recurrence happens at a high rate; however, there is not a lot of information informing patients about potential risk factors and how to manage them at home or where to go for help. Purpose: A scholarly project was conducted to explore the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (a-fib) due to a lack of knowledge around risk factors and their treatment. Methods: Interviews with key stakeholders were conducted to understand patient knowledge gaps around a-fib risk factors and what information they thought would be beneficial for a-fib patients to know. A literature review was also conducted, using the search terms: A-fib risk factors, A-fib and sleep apnea, A-fib and alcohol, A-fib and obesity, obesity treatments, GLP-1, sleep apnea treatments, alcohol cessation, heart health diets. Only scholarly articles less than 6 years old were used to maintain relevancy and accuracy. Results: The results led to an infographic poster being made to help patients identify potential risk factors and ways to help reduce them at home. The infographic specifically highlights risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption, providing patients with clear examples of what to watch for. There were also several local resources highlighted to help patients meet these goals. Conclusion: If we can help patients better identify their risk factors for a-fib and then teach them how to manage them, we can hopefully reduce a-fib recurrence and hospital readmission.
Keywords: a-fib, obesity, alcohol, risk factors, patient knowledge, sleep apnea, a-fib recurrence