Atrial Fibrillation Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Atrial fibrillation is the occurrence of an unusual and often fast heart rate. This can increase the likelihood of stroke, heart failure, and other complications related to the heart organ.
When a person has atrial fibrillation, the right and left atria (barium) of the heart beat erratically and do not coordinate with the right and left ventricles (chambers). Atrial fibrillation can cause chest palpitations, shortness of breath, and weakness.
Episodes of atrial fibrillation may come and go, or a person may experience persistent atrial fibrillation requiring treatment. While atrial fibrillation alone isn’t life-threatening, it is a serious health condition and sometimes requires emergency treatment.
Atrial fibrillation can also cause complications such as the formation of blood clots in the heart which can be sent to other organs and cause obstruction to blood flow. Treatment for atrial fibrillation usually includes medication and procedures to repair the electrical system in the heart.
Symptom
Some individuals with atrial fibrillation have no specific symptoms. Often they do not know this condition until it is detected during a physical examination.
In individuals who show signs, some examples of the symptoms that can occur in atrial fibrillation are:
- Heart palpitations, which are characterized by an uncomfortable sensation and a pounding heart in the chest
- Weakness
- Decreased ability to exercise
- Easily tired
- feeling dizzy
- Feeling confused
- Hard to breathe
- Chest pain
Atrial fibrillation can occur intermittently, persistently, or permanently, and each type of disorder requires a different treatment.
Reason
Abnormalities or damage to the structure of the heart is the most common cause of atrial fibrillation. Some of the possible causes of atrial fibrillation are:
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Coronary artery disease
- Abnormal heart valves
- Congenital heart defects
- Increased activity of the thyroid gland or other metabolic imbalance
- Exposure to stimulant active substances, such as certain drugs, caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol
- Lung disease
- History of previous heart surgery
- Viral infection
- Trouble breathing during sleep
Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing atrial fibrillation, including:
- Age. The older a person is, the higher the risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
- Heart disease. An individual with heart disease, including heart valve defects, congenital heart disease, coronary heart disease, or a history of heart attack, has a higher chance of developing atrial fibrillation.
- High blood pressure. Having high blood pressure, especially if it is not controlled with lifestyle changes or medication, can increase the likelihood of atrial fibrillation.
- There are other diseases. Individuals with diseases such as thyroid gland disorders, sleep disturbances, diabetes, kidney disease, or lung disease, have a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
- Alcohol consumption. For some people, alcohol intake can trigger episodes of atrial fibrillation.
- obesity. Individuals with obesity have a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
Diagnosis
To establish a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, the doctor may conduct a detailed medical interview to evaluate signs, symptoms, and history, as well as perform an in-person physical examination.
Some of the supporting examinations that can be carried out are:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG). An EKG examination uses electrodes (sensors) placed on the chest, arms and legs to detect and record the electrical activity of the heart. This examination is the main examination to establish the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.
- Echocardiogram. This examination uses sound waves to get an image of the shape of the heart.
- Stress test. This examination involves a heart examination that is carried out when a person is doing sports activities.
Treatment
Treatment for atrial fibrillation depends on the length of time the condition has been experienced, the degree of severity of the disturbance and the symptoms that arise, and the underlying cause of the atrial fibrillation. In general, the goal of treating atrial fibrillation is to restore heart rhythm and control heart rate, prevent blood clots from forming, and reduce the risk of stroke.
The treatment strategy determined by the doctor depends on various factors, including if other heart problems are encountered and the ability to take medication to control heart rhythm. In some cases, invasive treatment may be needed, such as medical procedures involving cardiac catheters or surgery.
In some other cases, specific events or other underlying diseases, such as disorders of the thyroid gland, can trigger atrial fibrillation. Treating the condition that causes atrial fibrillation can help treat any heart rhythm disturbances that occur. Therefore, it is very important to consult a doctor directly to carry out detailed medical interviews, direct physical examinations, and supporting examinations needed to identify possible causes that can occur.
Prevention
To prevent atrial fibrillation, it is very important to adopt a healthy lifestyle. This healthy lifestyle includes:
- Follow a heart-healthy diet
- Do physical activity regularly
- Avoid cigarettes
- Maintain body weight to remain ideal
- Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol
- Reducing stress, because constant stress can cause heart rhythm disturbances