Internists feel the rhythm

Complications of AF are frequent causes of hospitalization in internal medicine wards [9]. In addition, a new-onset AF may be a reason for hospital admission, especially in elderly patients with comorbidities and hemodynamic instability. Clinical presentation, medical history, physical examination and electrocardiographic confirmation are the cornerstones of diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. Echocardiographic evaluation, and exclusion of triggering causes such as anemia, hyperthyroidism, etc., help clinicians in defining risk stratification and patient management [9].