Atrial fibrillation. That is better!

Atrial fibrillation or flutter is a common type of abnormal heartbeat. The heart rhythm is fast and most often irregular. When working well, the 4 chambers of the heart contract (squeeze) in an organized way. Electrical signals direct your heart to pump the right amount of blood for your body's needs. The signals begin in an area called the sinoatrial node (also called the sinus node or SA node). In atrial fibrillation, the electrical impulse of the heart is not regular. This is because the sinoatrial node no longer controls the heart rhythm. Parts of the heart cannot contract in an organized pattern. As a result, the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. In atrial flutter, the ventricles (lower heart chambers) may beat very rapidly, but in a regular pattern. These problems can affect both men and women. They become more common with increasing age. Common causes of atrial fibrillation include: Alcohol use (especially binge drinking) Coronary artery disease Heart attack or heart bypass surgery Heart failure or an enlarged heart Heart valve disease (most often the mitral valve) Hypertension Medicines Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) Pericarditis Sick sinus syndrome You may not be aware that your heart is not beating in a normal pattern. Symptoms may start or stop suddenly. This is because atrial fibrillation may stop or start on its own. Symptoms may include: Pulse that feels rapid, racing, pounding, fluttering, irregular, or too slow Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations) Confusion Dizziness, lightheadedness Fainting Fatigue Loss of ability to exercise Shortness of breath An ECG (a test that records the electrical activity of the heart) may show atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. If your abnormal heart rhythm comes and goes, you may need to wear a special monitor to diagnose the problem. The monitor records the heart's rhythms over a period of time. Event monitor (3 to 4 weeks) Holter monitor (24-hour test) loop recorder (extended monitoring) Other Tests to find heart disease may include: Echocardiogram (ultrasound imaging of the heart) Tests to examine the blood supply of the heart muscle Tests to study the heart's electrical system Cardioversion treatment is used to get the heart back into a normal rhythm right away. There are two options for treatment: Electric shocks to your heart Drugs given through a vein These treatments may be done as emergency methods, or planned ahead of time. Daily medicines taken by mouth are used to: Slow the irregular heartbeat. These drugs may include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin. Prevent atrial fibrillation from coming back. These drugs work well in many people, but they can have serious side effects. Atrial fibrillation returns in many people, even while they are taking these medicines. Blood thinners are medicines that are used to reduce the risk of developing a blood clot that travels in the body (and that can cause a stroke, for example). They include heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), and dabigatran (Pradaxa). These drugs increase the chance of bleeding, so not everyone can use them. Antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin or clopidogrel may also be prescribed. Your provider will consider your age and other medical problems when deciding which drugs are best. A procedure called radiofrequency ablation can be used to scar areas in your heart where the heart rhythm problems are triggered. This can prevent the abnormal electrical signals that cause atrial fibrillation or flutter from moving through the heart. You may need a heart pacemaker after this procedure. All people with atrial fibrillation will need to learn how to manage this condition at home. Get back to me with your detailed medical records for a private consultation for a advise on medications. Watch these simple explanatory videos for understanding the problem. Copy the link address to your browser 1) Chest pain - must know https://youtu.be/xzunqxm3g1y 2) Heart failure https://youtu.be/rgn3ez7ckhc https://youtu.be/j2llmrwox94 3) Three things to do in chest pain - https://youtu.be/v7glvnwnldg 4) Difference between heart attack and heart blocks vs heart failure https://youtu.be/x5fdpt2by3i Don't forget to share and subscribe the channel - Dr. EDUCATION. Please do share your feedback on the below link. Your opinion is valuable. http://prac.to/idax Regards Dr. PARAMJEET SINGH MBBS, DIP. CARDIOLOGY (LONDON), FICC. CONSULTANT CARDIOLOGIST YASHODA SUPERSPECIALITY HOSPITAL