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What is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is an irregular and rapid heartbeat, arising from the heart's upper chamber (atrium), and conducted downwards to the heart's main chambers (ventricles). Other symptoms of AF typically include palpitations, discomfort and dizziness. During AF, the regular pumping action of the atria is replaced by irregular and quivering spasms of atrial tissue. This malfunction results in the failure of the atria to fill the ventricles completely and, consequently, the failure of the heart to pump adequate amounts of blood to the body. Often, the greatest concern is that the reduced cardiac output can lead to blood pooling in the atria and the formation of blood clots. Blood clots in the left atrium can dislodge and travel through the bloodstream to the brain, resulting in stroke.
Causes
- Atherosclerosis of coronary arteries, with or without a previous heart attack
- Hyperthyroidism
- Congestive heart failure
- Rheumatic heart disease caused by rheumatic fever
- Aging
- Chronic lung disease
Signs & Symptoms
- Continuously irregular heartbeat, in which no two beats are of equal strength or duration
- Weak, dizziness or faintness
- Occasionally, no symptoms
Associated Factors
- Recent surgery
- Pulmonary embolism
- Electrolyte disturbances, especially low potassium
- Excessive use of thyroid hormones, caffeine and or alcohol
- Smoking
- Excessive weight
How is atrial fibrillation treated?
Aspirin and warfarin are two medications currently used. They interfere with blood clotting, thus helping to reduce stroke risk in people with atrial fibrillation.
Recommendations
Treating atrial fibrillation is an important way to help prevent stroke. For this reason, aggressive treatment of this heart arrhythmia is recommended.
- A patient who has atrial fibrillation should be treated by his or her physician with some form of preventive medication.
- Aspirin and warfarin, the currently used medications, can have a major beneficial effect on public health.
Prevention
- Maintain a low-fat diet
- Stop smoking
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake
- Lose weight
- Some symptoms require medication
Precautions
- Diagnostic tests include electrocardiogram and blood studies to measure levels of drugs used in treatments
- Electric shock may restore normal rhythm
- Learn to check your own pulse for rate & rhythm
- Avoid non-prescription decongestants
Physical Activities
- As symptoms improve, resume your normal physical activities
- A regular exercise program is recommended
Diet
- Lose weight if you are overweight
- Do not use appetite suppressants
- Maintain a low-fat, low-sodium diet
Possible Complications
- Arterial thrombosis or embolus
- Acute pulmonary edema
- Congestive heart failure
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