What is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often very fast heart rhythm (arrhythmia). This condition can cause blood clots in the heart. It can also increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.
During this condition, the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat irregularly (out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart). For many people, this condition may not cause symptoms.
However, it can cause a fast, pounding heartbeat (palpitations), shortness of breath, or weakness.
Episodes can come and go, or they can persist. While usually not life-threatening, it is a serious medical condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent stroke.
Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation
Some people with atrial fibrillation do not experience any symptoms. However, some people will also experience fairly typical symptoms of atrial fibrillation, such as:
- Sensation of rapid heartbeat (palpitations). This condition occurs due to a heartbeat that is too fast and irregular.
- Chest pain. The way the heart beats due to this condition can reduce the performance and efficiency of the heart. This condition can eventually lead to chest pain.
- Dizziness. When the heart is not functioning properly, the entire body including the brain does not get enough blood. Lack of blood supply can cause dizziness.
- Fatigue. When the heart is not pumping blood efficiently, the body lacks oxygenated blood, making it easy to get tired.
- Shortness of breath. When the heart doesn’t pump blood as well as it should, fluid can build up in the lungs, making it harder to breathe.
This condition can last for varying durations, namely:
- Occasionally (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation). Symptoms come and go, usually lasting minutes to hours. Sometimes symptoms last for a week, and episodes can occur repeatedly. Symptoms usually go away on their own. This condition occasionally requires treatment.
- Persistent. With this type of atrial fibrillation, the heart rhythm does not return to normal on its own. If a person has symptoms, cardioversion or medication can be used by doctors to restore and maintain a normal heart rhythm.
- Long-lasting. This type is continuous and lasts more than 12 months.
- Permanent. In this type, the irregular heart rhythm cannot be reversed. Medications are needed to control the heartbeat and to prevent blood clots.
Causes of Atrial Fibrillation
The cause of atrial fibrillation is a disturbance in the transmission of electrical signals to the heart muscle.
As a result, the heart rate becomes abnormal so that the heart does not pump blood optimally throughout the body.
Experts suspect that this electrical disturbance occurred due to the following factors:
- Heart problems. Such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, congenital heart defects, and heart valve problems.
- High blood pressure. High blood pressure forces the heart to pump harder so that the heart muscle becomes stiff and
- Lung disease. Illnesses such as pneumonia can push the heart into an abnormally fast rhythm.
- Sleep apnea. This condition causes changes in chest pressure and stresses the heart because sufferers tend to wake up repeatedly during the night. Over time, this condition can disrupt the heart rhythm and trigger this condition.
- Thyroid disease. Such as overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and other metabolic imbalances.
- Use of stimulants. Including certain medications, caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol.
Some people who have this condition do not have heart problems or heart damage.
However, not everyone with atrial fibrillation has one of the above conditions.
Sometimes this condition can also affect people who are physically very healthy, such as athletes.
When there are no other conditions associated with atrial fibrillation, it is known as isolated atrial fibrillation.
Atrial Fibrillation Risk Factors
There are several factors that can increase a person’s risk of experiencing this, namely:
- Age. The risk of experiencing this condition increases as a person gets older.
- Heart disease. An individual with heart disease, including heart valve abnormalities, congenital heart disease, coronary heart disease, or a history of heart attack, is at higher risk of having one.
- High blood pressure. High blood pressure is also a risk factor, especially if not controlled with lifestyle changes.
- Presence of other diseases. Individuals with diseases such as thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, diabetes, kidney disease, or lung disease have a higher risk of experiencing it.
- Alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake can trigger episodes of atrial fibrillation in some people.
- Obesity. The risk of this condition will be higher for individuals who are obese.
Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis
To establish a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, a doctor may conduct a detailed medical interview to evaluate signs, symptoms, medical history, and perform a direct physical examination.
Some supporting examinations that doctors can perform are:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG uses electrodes (sensors) that a doctor places on your chest, arms, and legs to detect and record the electrical activity of your heart. An ECG is the primary test used to diagnose atrial fibrillation.
- Echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to create images of the shape of the heart.
- Stress test. This examination involves a heart examination that is carried out while a person is doing sports activities. Well, this examination also requires several things as preparation.
Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
Treatment for atrial fibrillation depends on the length of time the sufferer has had the condition, the severity of the disorder and the symptoms that arise, and the cause of the atrial fibrillation.
The main goals of atrial fibrillation treatment include:
- Control the sufferer’s heart rate.
- Regaining normal heart rhythm.
- Reduces the risk of stroke.
Here are the treatment options your doctor may recommend:
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Medicines
There are a number of medications that doctors can prescribe for atrial fibrillation:
- Blood-rate-controlling drugs. Aim to prevent the ventricles from beating too quickly. Examples include metoprolol or verapamil.
- Rhythm control drugs. Aim to help the heart beat in a normal sinus rhythm. Examples include procainamide or amiodarone.
- Blood thinners (anticoagulant drugs). These drugs are used to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke. Examples include warfarin, warfarin alternatives or aspirin.
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Procedures and Operations
If taking medication does not help, the sufferer may need certain medical procedures or surgery. Here are the options:
- Electrical cardioversion. This procedure aims to electrically “reset” the heart rhythm using a low-energy shock. But it may only be a temporary solution.
- Pulmonary vein ablation. This procedure uses a catheter to deliver energy out of and around the pulmonary veins. This procedure helps patients respond better to treatment. This means they will not need long-term medication.
- Permanent pacemaker implantation. This procedure can be performed by doctors if you have a slow heart rate.
- Left atrial appendage closure. This is a procedure that aims to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke.
Can Atrial Fibrillation Be Completely Cured?
This condition cannot be completely cured but if properly managed, sufferers can go on to live long and active lives.
In addition, there are a number of steps that sufferers can take to help manage their condition and reduce the risk of stroke.
The treatment strategy your doctor determines will depend on a variety of factors, including whether other heart conditions are present and your ability to take medication to control your heart rhythm.
In some cases, invasive treatments may be an option, such as medical procedures involving a cardiac catheter or surgery.
Atrial Fibrillation Prevention
You can prevent this condition by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This healthy lifestyle includes:
- Follow a heart-healthy diet.
- Doing physical activity or exercise regularly. If you want to know when is the right time to exercise.
- Avoid smoking.
- Maintain your ideal weight.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
- Reduce stress, because constant stress can cause heart rhythm disturbances.
Complications That Can Occur
Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation that can lead to stroke.
In atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm can cause blood to pool in the upper chambers of the heart (atria) and form clots.
If a blood clot in the upper left chamber (left atrium) breaks away from the heart area, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
The risk of stroke due to this condition increases with age.
Other health conditions can also increase the risk of stroke due to atrial fibrillation, including:
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some heart valve diseases.
When to See a Doctor?
Immediately check your health condition with a doctor if you or another family member experiences symptoms of atrial fibrillation.
Remember that proper treatment from the start can minimize the risk of complications.
