Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

Patients with atrial fibrillation are particularly at risk for embolism, specifically stroke. Atrial fibrillation results in irregular and often rapid heartbeats, which can lead to blood pooling and stasis in the atria of the heart. This pooling can cause blood clots to form. If a clot travels from the heart to the brain, it can block blood flow, resulting in a stroke. The understanding of this risk is vital for managing patients with atrial fibrillation, as clinicians often recommend anticoagulation therapy to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events.

The other conditions listed, while they may be related to broader cardiovascular issues, do not directly stem from the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation in the same way that embolism does. Hypertension may be a concurrent condition but is not a direct result of atrial fibrillation. Increased cardiac output is generally not associated with atrial fibrillation; rather, patients may experience decreased efficiency of heart function. Peripheral artery disease can arise from other cardiovascular risk factors but is not a direct consequence of atrial fibrillation. Thus, embolism is the most relevant and immediate concern for patients with this arrhythmia.