Atrial Fibrillation. Approximately 2. 7 million people in the United States have atrial fibrillation. It is the most common type of heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) that can interrupt the normal flow of blood. This interruption means the condition puts you at risk for blood clots and stroke. Atrial fibrillation may be temporary, may come and go, or may be permanent. However, with regular medical care, you can live a normal, active life. What Causes Atrial Fibrillation? The heart contains four chambers: two atria and two ventricles. Atrial fibrillation occurs when these chambers do not work together as they should because of faulty electrical signaling. Normally, the atria and ventricles contract at the same speed. In atrial fibrillation, the atria and ventricles are out of synch because the atria contract very quickly and irregularly. Atrial fibrillation is often referred to as sick sinus syndrome because the sinoatrial (sinus) node in the right atrium controls the electrical impulses. The cause of atrial fibrillation is not always known. The following factors increase your risk of atrial fibrillation: increased age (the older you are, the higher your risk for atrial fibrillation)being whitebeing maleheart diseasestructural heart defectscongenital heart defectspericarditishistory of heart attackshistory of heart surgerythyroid conditionsmetabolic syndromeobesitylung diseasediabetesdrinking alcohol, especially binge drinking. The following might increase your risk: a family history of atrial fibrillationsleep apnea high- dose steroid therapy. What Are the Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation? You might not experience any symptoms if you have atrial fibrillation; however, you might experience one or more of the following: heart palpitations (feeling like your heart is skipping a beat, beating too fast or hard, or fluttering)chest painfatigueshortness of breathweaknesslightheadednessdizzinessfainting confusion. How Is Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosed? Your doctor may use one or more of the following tests to diagnose atrial fibrillation: a physical exam to check your pulse, blood pressure, and lungselectrocardiogram (EKG)—a test that records the electric impulses of your heart for a few seconds. If atrial fibrillation doesn’t occur during this test, your doctor may have you wear a portable EKG monitor. The exact cause of atrial fibrillation is unknown, but it's more common with age and affects certain groups of people more than others. Atrial fibrillation is common. These include: - Holter monitor—a small portable device you wear for 2. It is worn for weeks or until atrial fibrillation symptoms occur. X- ray to view your heart and lungsblood tests to check for thyroid and metabolic conditions. How Is Atrial Fibrillation Treated? You might not need treatment if you do not have symptoms, if you do not have other heart problems, or if the atrial fibrillation stops on its own. If you do require treatment, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following: Medicationmedications to normalize the speed of your heart contractionsmedications to prevent atrial fibrillationblood- thinning medications to prevent blood clots from forming. Procedureselectrical cardioversion—a brief electrical shock resets the rhythm of your heart contractionscatheter ablation—a catheter delivers radio waves to the heart to destroy the abnormal tissue that sends out irregular impulsesatrioventricular (AV) node ablation—radio waves destroy the AV node, which connects the atria and ventricles. Then the atria can no longer send signals to the ventricles. A pacemaker is inserted to maintain a regular rhythm. Surgerymaze surgery—an open- heart surgery during which the surgeon makes small cuts or burns in the heart’s atria to create a “maze” of scars that will prevent abnormal electrical impulses from reaching other areas of the heart. Your doctor might also recommend treatment for underlying health conditions, such as a thyroid problem or heart disease, that might be causing atrial fibrillation. Causes Of Atrial Fibrillation Diet RecommendationsIntroduction. Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. A normal heart rate should be regular and. What is atrial fibrillation? Learn atrial fibrillation (A-fib) treatment, symptoms, guidelines, and ablation. What causes atrial fibrillation? ![]() ![]() Prognosis. Most cases of atrial fibrillation can be managed or treated; however, atrial fibrillation tends to reoccur and get worse over time. The most common complications of atrial fibrillation are strokes and heart failure. If you have atrial fibrillation, you are five times more likely to have a stroke than people who do not have atrial fibrillation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention You can reduce your risk of atrial fibrillation by doing the following: Eat a diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in saturated and trans fats. ![]() ![]() Exercise regularly. Maintain a healthy weight. Avoid smoking. Avoid drinking alcohol or only drink small amounts of alcohol occasionally. Follow your doctor’s advice for treating any underlying health conditions that you have.
Atrial fibrillation Overview - Mayo Clinic. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can increase your risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart- related complications. During atrial fibrillation, the heart's two upper chambers (the atria) beat chaotically and irregularly — out of coordination with the two lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart. Atrial fibrillation symptoms often include heart palpitations, shortness of breath and weakness. Episodes of atrial fibrillation can come and go, or you may develop atrial fibrillation that doesn't go away and may require treatment. Although atrial fibrillation itself usually isn't life- threatening, it is a serious medical condition that sometimes requires emergency treatment. It may lead to complications. Atrial fibrillation can lead to blood clots forming in the heart that may circulate to other organs and lead to blocked blood flow (ischemia). Treatments for atrial fibrillation may include medications and other interventions to try to alter the heart's electrical system. Atrial fibrillation care at Mayo Clinic.
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November 2017
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