Atrial Fibrillation
Also known as: A-Fib, Atrial Fib, or AF
What is it?
Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib, Atrial Fib, or AF)
is a heart rhythm problem. It is a problem with
the speed and pattern of your heartbeats. The atria may beat as fast as 300 to 400 times per minute during AF
compared with the normal heart rate of 60 to 100 times per minute.
Who gets it?
Many people of all ages can develop this heart
problem; yet, atrial fibrillation itself is
rarely life threatening.
There are many causes of this condition. It
may arise without any identifiable cause or it
may be the result of underlying heart disease.
What are the symptoms?
Many people do not even realize that they are
experiencing AF. For those who do
experience symptoms, this may include heart
palpitations. Palpitations are a sensation
of a sudden pounding, fluttering, or racing of
the heartbeat. Many people describe it as a
feeling of "butterflies in their
chest". Some people also experience
dizziness and/or chest pain.
Other symptoms may include:
-
lightheadedness
-
an overwhelming feeling of tiredness or weakness
-
shortness of breath
-
palpitations (sudden racing of the heartbeat)
-
chest pain/tightness
-
passing out spells (syncopal episodes)
There may be a sensation of a sudden pounding,
fluttering, or racing in the chest. Many patients describe it as a feeling
of butterflies in their chest. Some patients may also experience dizziness
or chest pain.
What
Are the Risks?
AF may increase the risk of stroke and heart
failure. The inability of the upper chambers of the heart to work in a
coordinated fashion may cause a blood clot to form. This blood clot has
the potential to travel throughout the body and become lodged in an artery
in the brain. Heart failure may occur because of the inability of the
heart to efficiently pump blood out to the rest of the body.
How
Can I Prevent These Situations?
The risk of heart failure can be decreased through
the use of medications that your doctor can prescribe for you. These
medications can help to regulate and slow your heart rate. Examples
include:
-
beta-blockers (such as Metoprolol)
-
Calcium Channel Blockers (Diltiazem)
-
Digoxin (slows, steadies and strengthens the
heart beat)
The stroke risk
can be decreased through the use of an anticoagulant such as warfarin (Coumadin).
Regular visits to your doctor and monitoring of your therapy will help to
ensure that you are receiving the best care.
Diagnosis
A 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) or Holter
monitoring (24-hour EKG) confirms the diagnosis.
Treatment
Medical treatment is generally two fold
involving "chemical cardioversion" and
clot prevention. Antiarrhythmic medications are
given to chemically convert AF and restore a
normal heart rhythm. In addition, anticoagulant
medications are given to prevent blood clots from
forming. If medications do not work electrical
cardioversion may be indicated.
Surgical treatment is very
rarely necessary. However, your
primary care provider can
discuss the need for further
testing with an
electrophysiologist, a
cardiologist who specializes in
heart rhythm disturbances, to
explore other options for
treatment.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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