Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by several distinctive features, one of which is the presence of an irregular heartbeat, leading to an irregular rhythm. This condition can also result in a rapid heart rate, often causing palpitations as patients may feel their heart racing or fluttering.

However, one of the critical aspects of atrial fibrillation relates to blood clot formation. In this arrhythmia, the chaotic electric activity in the atria can lead to stasis of blood, particularly in the left atrial appendage, increasing the risk of thrombus formation. Consequently, patients with atrial fibrillation often exhibit altered clotting dynamics, which creates a higher potential for clot-related complications such as stroke.

Thus, stating that normal clotting factors are characteristic of atrial fibrillation is inaccurate. Instead, the risk of clots due to the arrhythmia makes this option the one that does not align with the true nature of the condition.