PAF

Medical abbreviation · Cardiology

PAF stands for Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, a cardiology abbreviation.

Atrial fibrillation that starts and stops on its own or with treatment, with episodes lasting less than seven days and often only minutes to hours. It is frequently the earliest pattern of AF and may progress to persistent forms over the years.

Example: Event monitor captured three PAF episodes, longest 6 hours; CHA2DS2-VASc 3, apixaban advised.

Usage notes

Stroke prevention depends on the overall risk score rather than how often episodes occur, so patients with occasional PAF may still need anticoagulation. Pulmonary vein triggers are especially important in this form, which is why catheter ablation works best in paroxysmal AF. Some patients use a "pill in the pocket" approach, taking an antiarrhythmic only when an episode begins. In immunology PAF means platelet-activating factor.

Related abbreviations

More cardiology abbreviations

• NYHA – New York Heart Association
• OH – Orthostatic hypotension
• OM – Obtuse marginal artery
• OPCAB – Off-pump coronary artery bypass
• PAC – Premature atrial contraction
• PAD – Peripheral artery disease
• PCI – Percutaneous coronary intervention
• PCWP – Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
• PDA – Patent ductus arteriosus
• PEA – Pulseless electrical activity
• PFO – Patent foramen ovale
• PMI – Point of maximal impulse

See all 229 cardiology abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.