What Is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (also called AF or Afib) is the most common type of irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, and is indicated by a rapid and erratic pulse. In a person with a normal heart rhythm, the resting heartrate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute, with a normal rhythm to the heartbeats. Someone with atrial fibrillation may experience a heartrate of between 300 and 600 beats per minute, in an erratic, or non-constant rhythm. This is caused by a disfunction of the atria of the heart, causing it to beat rapidly and irregularly.
The atria are the blood chambers of the heart. There are two atria, one on either side of the heart. On the right side is the atrium that holds blood that needs oxygen. It sends blood to the right ventricle which sends it to the lungs for oxygen. After it comes back, it is sent to the left atrium. The blood is pumped from the left atrium and sent to the ventricle where it is sent out of the heart. It is then sent to all the rest of the body. (Wikipedia) In a person with atrial fibrillation, the rapid and irregular beating of the atria can obstruct the flow of blood through the atria, leaving the patient vulnerable to blood clots, and increasing his or her potential to suffer from stroke, should a blood clot travel to the brain, or to problems with the kidneys, heart, and intenstines, should a blood clot travel to any of those organs. Heart failure is also a concern if atrial fibrillation is left untreated for a long period of time,as the over use can weaken the heart’s ability to pump blood.
How Do You Diagnose Atrial Fibrillation? Some of the symptoms of atrial fibrillation include heart palpitations, including a sense of strong or thumping heartbeat, fluttering, or racing heartbeat, decreased energy, fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, chest pain or pressure, and shortness of breath. However, it is important to note that some people who have atrial fibrillation never experience any symptoms at all. There are cardiac tests that can be used to diagnose atrial fibrillation once it is suspected. These tests include an electrocardiogram (EKG), a holter monitor, a portable event monitor, and a transtelephonic monitor. Any one or combination of these tests should be able to determine whether or not a patient’s irregular heartbeat is due to atrial fibrillation.
What Causes Atrial Fibrillation? There are a number of conditions that can cause atrial fibrillation. Some of these conditions include high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, heart surgery, chronic lung disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, pneumonia, lung cancer, pulmonary embolism, hyperthyroidism, pericarditis, excessive alcohol consumption, binge eating, drug use, excessive caffeine use, electrolyte or metabolic imbalances, stress, severe emotional turmoil and viral infection. (WebMD, Wikipedia)
How Is Atrial Fibrillation Treated? In many cases, medication and lifestyle changes can be effective, non-invasive measures for managing atrial fibrillation. In some cases, procedures or surgery may be required to repair the condition.
The most common place to start is with lifestyle changes and medication. Avoiding behaviors that can exacerbate atrial fibrillation, such as smoking, and consuming excessive alcohol and caffeine. Anticoagulants are generally prescribed to people with atrial fibrillation to decrease the formation of blood clots that can cause further damage to the heart or other organs. Other drugs may also be prescribed to address the arrhythmias and restore a normal heartrate.
In some cases, procedures such as cardioversion, catheter ablation, or pulmonary vein antrum isolation may be performed. A permanent pacemaker may also be required to maintain sinus rhythm, if the heart maintains a slow heartrate due to overuse after long periods of atria fibrillation. In more serious cases, or in cases where the condition is resistant to lifestyle, medication, and procedural interventions, cardiac surgery may be required to address the atria fibrillation. (WebMD)
Reference:
- WebMD
