-
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) - Meaning and Explanation
Introduction
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common heart rhythm disorders, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a condition where the heart beats irregularly and often too fast. Understanding AF is important because it increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
AF occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat irregularly instead of contracting in a normal rhythmic pattern. As a result, blood can pool in the atria, increasing the risk of clot formation. These clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
Symptoms of AF
Some people may not feel symptoms, but common ones include:
- Palpitations (rapid, irregular heartbeat)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Chest discomfort
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors can contribute to AF, including:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve problems
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Obesity
- Sleep apnea
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Aging (more common in older people)
Diagnosis and Treatment
AF is diagnosed using tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitoring, or an echocardiogram.
Treatment Options
- Medications - To control heart rate and prevent blood clots.
- Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants) - Reduce stroke risk.
- Electrical Cardioversion - A procedure that restores normal heart rhythm.
- Catheter Ablation - A minimally invasive procedure to destroy abnormal heart tissue causing AF.
- Lifestyle Changes - Managing risk factors with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction.
Conclusion
Atrial Fibrillation is a serious yet manageable condition. Proper medical care and lifestyle adjustments can significantly lower the risks associated with AF. If you experience symptoms, consult a cardiologist to assess your condition and choose the best treatment.
Source recommendations
1. 2023 ESC Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.10.021
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/pages/esc_guidelines
2. 2023 American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology (ACC)/Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Guidelines on 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.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/S1547-5271(23)02246-4/fulltext
-
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!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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.