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Atrial Fibrillation
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
 Atrial
Fibrillation (AF) is an irregular and rapid
heartbeat, arising from the hearts upper chamber
(atrium), and conducted downwards to the hearts
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. These spasms
may lead to reduced blood flow, blood clots,
stroke and even death. 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 and even death.
Causes
-
Atherosclerosis of coronary arteries, with
or without a previous heart attack
-
Hyperthyroidism
-
Congestive
heart failure
-
Rheumatic
heart disease caused by rheumatic fever
-
Stress
-
Chronic
lung disease
Signs & Symptoms
-
Continuously irregular heartbeat, in which
no 2 beats are of equal strength or duration
-
Weak,
dizziness or faintness
-
Occasionally, no symptoms
Associated Factors
-
Stress
-
Recent
surgery
-
Pulmonary
embolism
-
Electrolyte
disturbances, especially low potassium
-
Excessive
use of thryroid 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.
Anticoagulants are also given to people who have
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
Precautions
-
Diagnostic
tests include electrocardiogram and blood
studies to measure levels of drugs used in
treatments
-
Be sure
family and friends are familiar with CPR in
case of cardiac arrest
-
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
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