Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Abnormalities in Patients with Risk Factors for Atrial Fibrillation.

The electrocardiogram and various echocardiography modalities are important risk markers for atrial fibrillation (AF). Electrocardiographic criteria of left atrial enlargement, advanced interatrial block, and PR-interval prolongation are atrial risk markers for AF. Transthoracic echocardiography is elementary for risk stratification of AF. Transesophageal echocardiography is a valuable tool to detect cardiac sources of embolism if early cardioversion is necessary. Intracardiac echocardiography is a real-time tool for guidance of percutaneous interventions, including radiofrequency ablation and left atrial appendage closure in patients with AF.