Atrial Fibrillation: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Atrial Fibrillation: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

 

An irregular heartbeat can be a sign of certain health problems, there are several types of heart rhythm disorders, tachycardia, bradycardia including atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation can happen to anyone, so let's look at information about what it is, the causes, symptoms, and treatment of atrial fibrillation here.
 

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia.

Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder characterized by an irregular and rapid heartbeat. This disorder occurs when the atria of the heart contract irregularly and inefficiently, causing the flow of blood from the atria (chambers) to the chambers of the heart (ventricles) is not smooth.

People who experience atrial fibrillation may also have another heartbeat problem called atrial flutter. Treatment for both tends to be similar.

These conditions can increase the risk of serious complications, such as stroke and heart failure.
 

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation can vary from mild to severe. Indeed, certain individuals may not manifest any symptoms.

Some common symptoms experienced by people with atrial fibrillation include:

• Rapid and irregular heartbeat
• Cardiac arrhythmia or a forceful pulsation in the thoracic region
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Unusual fatigue
• Dizziness or fainting
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Sensation of debility or diminished vitality
• Edoema of the lower extremities

 

Causes and risk factors for atrial fibrillation

It is not yet known exactly what causes atrial fibrillation. However, there are several things that can increase a person's risk of developing atrial fibrillation, namely:

• Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Heart disease, such as heart failure, heart valve disease, or coronary artery disease
• Thyroid disease, especially hyperthyroidism
• Sleep apnea or other sleep disorders
• Obesity or overweight
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Use of stimulants, such as caffeine or illegal drugs 
• Age. Atrial fibrillation becomes more prevalent as individuals age

 

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of atrial fibrillation is usually made through physical examination, medical history, and additional tests.

Here's how to diagnose for atrial fibrillation:

• Physical examination
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect the heart's electrical activity
• Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) to check the structure and function of the heart
• Blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels and other factors that may affect heart rhythm
• Chest X-ray to look at the condition of the lungs and heart

Treatment

The management of atrial fibrillation is contingent upon the root cause. If the atrial fibrillation is caused by another health problem, such as a thyroid problem, your doctor will prescribe medication to treat the thyroid problem, thereby resolving the atrial fibrillation problem.

However, if it is not caused by any of the above health issues, the doctor may provide several heart treatment options and medical measures if needed.

Atrial fibrillation treatment aims to control heart rate, prevent complications and improve quality of life.

Doctors can usually prescribe medications that can be combined with several procedures. The following are some of the commonly used medical treatments and medications:

• Cardioversion. A procedure to restore a normal heartbeat using electric shock or medication.
• Catheter ablation. A procedure to kill the tissue that causes the heart rhythm to be disturbed.
• Pacemaker insertion. The pacemaker will get a signal when the heartbeat becomes abnormal to re-adjust the beat to normal.
• Administration of antiarrhythmic drugs to regulate the heart rhythm.
• Anticoagulants to prevent the formation of blood clots that can cause strokes.

In addition to the above measures, your doctor will also encourage you to adopt a healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol within normal limits to lower the risk of complications.
Complications

Without proper treatment, atrial fibrillation can lead to serious complications, including:

• Stroke, due to the formation of blood clots that can be caused by poor blood flow
• Heart failure, due to the continuous inefficient work of the heart
• Coronary artery disease or heart attack
• Heart valve disease

Prevention

While it cannot always be avoided, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, including:

• Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels within the normal range
• Engaging in regular physical activity and sustaining a balanced body mass
• Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and reducing caffeine consumption
• Taking care of chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes
• Cessation of smoking and prevention of second-hand smoke exposure
  

By understanding the symptoms, causes and treatment of atrial fibrillation, one can take appropriate preventive measures and seek appropriate medical treatment if needed. If you experience any suspicious symptoms or have high risk factors, it is important to consult a doctor for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.

 

 

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