Atrial Fibrillation

There are four major types of atrial fibrillation, including: 

Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation:

A paroxysmal atrial fibrillation occurs suddenly and usually resolves within seven days. The episode of irregular heartbeats may last for a few seconds or several hours during the time. 

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation:

The abnormal heart rhythm lasts for more than seven days in this condition. The condition may stop on its own after the period is over or may need medications to regulate the heartbeat. 

Long-Term Persistent Atrial Fibrillation:

In this condition, the atrial fibrillation lasts more than a year and doesn't go away on its own. The doctor will suggest going with medications and other treatments for such kind of condition. 

Permanent Martial Fibrillation:

This type of atrial fibrillation cannot be corrected with treatment. The doctor usually prescribes long-term medications to control the heartbeat.

Some common symptoms of atrial fibrillation include:

1. Irregular heartbeat
2. Heart palpitations
3. Chest pain
4. Shortness of breath
5. Fatigue
6. Dizziness
7. Intolerance to exercise
8. Lightheadedness
9. Weakness

There are different conditions that may cause atrial fibrillation, including: 

1. High blood pressure
2. Lung disease
3. Heart valve disease
4. Congenital heart defect
5. Enlarged heart
6. Heart surgery
7. Thyroid 
8. Heart attack
9. Sleep apnea
10. Sick sinus syndrome
11. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
12. Heart failure
13. Use of certain medications
14. Smoking
15. Viral Infection

In most cases, the atrial fibrillation may be asymptomatic. The doctor may detect A-fib during the physical examination while checking the heartbeat for some other reasons. Once the doctor suspects, they may order several tests to diagnose atrial fibrillation. These may include: 

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG):

The test is done to check and measure the heart's electrical signals. The test is considered the main test for diagnosing atrial fibrillation. 

Stress Test:

During this test, the doctor records the heartbeats and other things while the patient exercises on a treadmill or cycling. 

Chest X-ray:

This test takes images of the heart and lungs to check for other conditions that might explain the symptoms.

Echocardiogram:

The test uses sound waves to create images of the heart. The test also allows checking for the structure and motion of the heart. 

Blood Tests:

The tests are performed to check for conditions like thyroid disease (hypothyroidism) or any other condition that may result in atrial fibrillation. 

Holter Monitor:

This portable ECG device records the heart's activity for 24 hours or more. The device is usually worn on a belt or the shoulder strap.

Depending on the type of atrial fibrillation and the underlying cause of the problem, the doctor may suggest the following treatments: 

Medications

The doctor may prescribe medications to control the heart's heartbeat or return the heart to its original normal rhythm. The doctor may prescribe the following medicines to treat atrial fibrillation: 

Antiarrhythmic Drugs:

The doctor may suggest taking antiarrhythmic drugs like procainamide, disopyramide, propafenone, sotalol, and more to control the heart rhythm. 

Rate Control Drugs:

The medications help control the ventricles to beat too fast. These may include digoxin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and more. 

Blood Thinners:

The doctor may also prescribe a blood-thinning medication to reduce the risk of stroke or damage. These may include warfarin, apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and more.

Electrical Cardioversion:

This therapy involves resetting the heart rhythm to its normal position. The doctor sends electrical shocks to the heart through electrodes placed on the chest to reset the heart rhythm during the procedure.  

Maze Procedure:

During the procedure, the surgeon uses heat or cold energy to create a pattern of scar tissues in the heart's upper chambers. The scar tissues cannot transmit electrical signals, which helps to reduce irregular heartbeats. 

Atrioventricular (AV) Node Ablation:

In this procedure, the surgeon uses radio waves to destroy the atrioventricular nodes, which connect the atria and ventricles. After the AV node ablation, a pacemaker is required for the rest of the life.

Here are some factors that may increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation: 

1. Old age
2. Male
3. Family history of atrial fibrillation
4. Congenital heart defects
5. Alochol
6. Obesity
7. Family history of heart disease
8. Thyroid
9. High blood pressure
10. Heart disease
11. Pericarditis
12. Previous heart surgery
13. Metabolic syndrome
14. Diabetes
15. Sleep apnea
16. High-dose steroid therapy

One can manage the signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation by using these steps:

• Diet: Eating a nutritious diet may help control the risk of atrial fibrillation.
• Avoid Harmful Substances: Quit smoking, alcohol, or taking any illicit drugs that may damage the heart. 
• Manage Stress: Stress can increase blood pressure and heart rate, which increases the risk of developing atrial fibrillation.

• Know ABout Atrial Fibrillation
• Sit Less And Move More Is The Mantra For Healthy Heart
• Doctors Use the Balloon Cryoablation Procedure to Treat Arrhythmia