Contents
In this article, we will take a look at:
- What is Atrial Fibrillation?
- How Does Atrial Fibrillation Occur?
- Who is Prone to Atrial Fibrillation?
- Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation
- Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation
- Complications of Atrial Fibrillation
- Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation
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What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation also referred to as AFib or AF is basically a condition in which heartbeat of a person becomes irregular or quivering and this can cause conditions such as blood clots, heart failure, stroke, and other heart-linked complications. In general, heart of a person contracts and then relaxes to ensure regular beat. But when a person suffers from atrial fibrillation, atria which are the upper chambers of heart beat in irregular pattern instead of beating regularly to pump the blood into lower hear chambers known as ventricles.
If during atrial fibrillation a clot happens to enter the bloodstream, it can lodge in an artery which leads to brain, and this can cause stroke.
Atrial fibrillation is of different types:
Occasional - This kind of atrial fibrillation is also referred to as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. In this the symptoms of the problem come and go; they last for a span of just few minutes to even hours and then stop on their own.
Persistent - In this kind of atrial fibrillation, the heart rhythm does not go back to normal on its own. The person has to be given electrical shock or some medications to restore heart’s rhythm.
Long-standing persistent - This kind of atrial fibrillation is nonstop as it extends to a span of 12 months.
Permanent - In this kind of atrial fibrillation, normal heart rhythm cannot be restored. You will have to take medications to control heart rate.
How Does Atrial Fibrillation Occur?
Atrial fibrillation occurs when:
- Two upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly and chaotically.
- There is no coordination with two lower chambers of heart.
- Episodes of irregular heartbeat can come and go, or you can develop a problem that stays with you necessitates medical treatment.
- Even though is not life-threatening, this is a serious medical condition which calls for emergency medical treatment as it can lead to different complications such as clots, ischemia etc.
Who is Prone to Atrial Fibrillation?
The risk of acquiring atrial fibrillation increases if:
- You are an old person.
- You have high blood pressure
- You have any kind of underlying heart disease
- You alcohol intake is high
- You have a family history of the disease
- You suffer from sleep apnea
- You are an athlete
- You have any other chronic conditions
What are the Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation? How is Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosed?
Some people with atrial fibrillation will demonstrate no symptoms at all. Those who show symptoms may experience issues such as:
- General Weakness
- Palpitations
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Tiredness Light-headedness
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
Diagnosis
The doctor is able to diagnose atrial fibrillation in few simple steps. Your doctor may recommend several tests including an electrocardiogram or ECG and echocardiogram, along with blood and stress tests and chest X-ray for the correct diagnosis and subsequent prescription of treatment. However, the treatment significantly depends on how long you had atrial fibrillation and how troublesome your symptoms are. In some rare cases, the doctor may also suggest invasive treatments using surgery and catheters.
Complications of Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation can lead to the following complications in some cases:
Stroke - In atrial fibrillation, in case a blood clot dislodges from the heart and travels to the brain, it can lead to stroke.
Heart failure - If not controlled in time, atrial fibrillation can weaken heart and cause heart failure.
Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation
Blood thinners are usually given to patients with atrial fibrillation to reduce chances of stroke and damage to other organs of the body. Treatments for atrial fibrillation include different medications and other interventions which help to alter electrical system of the heart. Medical procedures such as cardioversion and catheter ablation are also used by a lot of doctors.
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Regards
Shitanshu Kumar