About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Atrial Fibrillation (AF): Definition and Overview
Introduction
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. This irregular heartbeat can lead to blood clot formation, stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications.
Key Characteristics of AF
- Irregular Heartbeat: The heart’s electrical signals become chaotic, causing an irregular and often rapid rhythm.
- Inefficient Blood Pumping: The atria do not contract properly, leading to ineffective blood flow and potential clot formation.
- Increased Risk of Stroke: Due to stagnant blood flow in the atria, there is a higher risk of clot development and stroke.
Types of AF
- Paroxysmal AF : Episodes last for less than 7 days and resolve spontaneously.
- Persistent AF : Lasts more than 7 days and may require medical intervention.
- Long-standing Persistent AF : Persists for more than 12 months.
- Permanent AF : Continuous AF where rhythm control is no longer pursued.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Age (common in patients over 60 years old)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Coronary artery disease
- Valvular heart disease
- Obesity and diabetes
- Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking
- Thyroid disorders
Symptoms
- Palpitations (fluttering or rapid heartbeat)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness and fainting
- Chest discomfort
Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) : Identifies irregular heart rhythms.
- Holter Monitor : Records heart activity over 24-48 hours.
- Echocardiogram : Assesses heart function and structure.
- Blood Tests : Checks for underlying conditions like thyroid disease.
Treatment Options
1. Medications
- Rate control drugs : Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers.
- Rhythm control drugs : Antiarrhythmic medications.
- Anticoagulants : Reduce stroke risk.
2. Cardioversion
- Restores normal heart rhythm using electric shock or medications.
3. Ablation Therapy
- Destroys abnormal heart tissue causing AF.
4. Lifestyle Modifications
- Healthy diet, exercise, quitting smoking and alcohol.
Conclusion
Atrial fibrillation is a serious but manageable condition. Early detection and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce complications, including stroke and heart failure.
Source recommendations
1. 2023 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.10.021
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/pages/esc_guidelines
2. 2023 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38033089/
- https://www.hrsonline.org/guidance/clinical-resources/2023-accahaaccphrs-guideline-diagnosis-and-management-patients-atrial-fibrillation
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2023/11/27/19/46/2023-acc-guideline-for-af-gl-af
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109723078531
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.