Atrial Fibrillation: What You Need to Know Today
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a prevalent condition causing irregular heartbeat. It makes the upper left chamber of the heart beat abnormally. This disrupts blood circulation, potentially leading to serious complications. The condition may occur in infrequent or brief episodes. It may last for over a week or a year. Sometimes, the condition may be permanent.
What Causes an Irregular Heartbeat?
The electrical signals in the heart ensure a normal rhythm and pumping. When they deviate, you experience atrial fibrillation.
Top causes include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Inflammation or fibrosis
- Thick or weak heart walls
- Reduced blood flow
- Protein or mineral build-up in heart tissue
Chronic and excessive use of alcohol, illicit drugs, and prolonged stress may precipitate the onset of AFib. Although endurance athletes usually are fit, the heart changes they experience via exertion may present a risk for AFib later.
Common Symptoms
Most people have no symptoms at all. However, some might experience:
- Fatigue or lightheadedness
- Fluttering or skipping or racing of heart
- Slight chest pain
- Feeling anxious or short of breath
- Low blood pressure
AFib places the patient at additional risk for stroke, a heart attack, and eventual heart failure; hence, the importance of detection at an early stage. Eventually, more complications would develop if left untreated, such as clot formation within the heart, which could lead to a possible stroke.
Risk Factors
Many factors put a person at risk for the development of AFib:
- Age – risk increases as one grows older (more in people >65)
- Family history – the mechanisms may have a possible genetic factor for increased susceptibility
- Medical history – any surgery or trauma that has affected the heart, lungs, or oesophagal area would cause more risk
- Lifestyle factors – alcohol use, stimulant use, or participation in endurance sports may disrupt heart rhythm
- Health conditions – sleep apnea, obesity, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes are top triggers
- Ethnicity – Caucasians present with DNA predispositions, while those of African descent have more complications
As per the best cardiologist for atrial fibrillation, individuals who have endured heart surgery or have a history of heart disease should also be careful in assessing their heart rhythms. Further, those untreated for thyroid disorders stand a high chance of developing AFib because thyroid hormone influences the heart functioning.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
AFib diagnosis is based on symptoms and family history as well. Physical signs include irregularities of heartbeats or limb swelling.
Landmarks in diagnosis include:
- EKG or ECG: this implies electric tracing of the heart activity.
- Serology included blood tests that check potassium levels and levels of thyroid hormones.
- Echocardiography: this method looks into the structure and function of the heart.
- Cardiac MRI: this aims to provide imaging details about the heart’s left atrium.
Atrial fibrillation treatment combinations may involve lifestyle changes, medications, or interventions to maintain rhythm and avert complications.
Treatment will include:
- Reducing alcohol and stimulant usage
- Exercise
- Medications to control heart rate and reduce stroke risk
- Cardioversion with electrical shock therapy
- Catheter ablation to destroy or block faulty circuits in the heart
Surgery, if needed
In a few patients, heart rate recovery can be facilitated by inserting a pacemaker. Anticoagulant medications are usually given to decrease the risk of clot formation and stroke. These patients must be made aware of the need for regular surveillance and follow-up with the specialist.
Also Read : Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) – Causes, Symptoms, Complications & Treatment
Conclusion
Dr Raghu is a well-acknowledged practitioner of atrial fibrillation. He stands in a category of some of the finest in the profession, with 25+ years of experience in diagnosing and treating advanced medical and surgical procedures for heart rhythm disorders geared towards ensuring favourable results for patients. Individualised care, out-of-the-box thinking in treatments, and a longstanding commitment to heart wellness characterise Dr Raghu’s atrial fibrillation treatment approach. So, if you or someone you know needs assistance with heart care, contact Dr Raghu, the best cardiologist for atrial fibrillation.
