Welcome to our new 'Medicine in Practice' series! In this first part, cardiology expert, Dr. Dhiman Kahali speaks about atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, which places an enormous burden on patients, caregivers, and the society at large.

The audio below covers atrial fibrillation (AF) responsible for most arrhythmia-related hospital admissions and the most common cause of ischaemic stroke. Dr. Dhiman answers questions on:

• Diagnostics tests and screening for atrial fibrillation, electrocardiography, and what physicians need to know
• Detecting AF in asymptomatic patients
• Palpitations and evaluation in a primary care setting
• OTC drugs that may cause irregular heartbeat
• Steps to take before one refers a patient for atrial fibrillation

Click below to listen

Disclaimer- The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of M3 India.

The speaker, Dr. Dhiman Kahali is Director – Interventional Cardiology, at BM Birla Heart Research Centre, Alipore. He is the Chairman of the National Interventional Council Cardiological Society of India and Vice President of CSI (Cardiological Society of India).