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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): Understanding the Condition
Introduction
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). In AF, the heart's two upper chambers (atria) beat chaotically and out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles). This can lead to an irregular and often rapid heart rate.
Causes of Atrial Fibrillation
AF can be caused by several factors, including: - High blood pressure (Hypertension) - Heart disease (coronary artery disease, heart failure) - Thyroid disorders (overactive thyroid) - Excessive alcohol or caffeine intake - Obesity and sedentary lifestyle - Sleep apnea
Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation
Some people do not notice any symptoms, while others may experience: - Palpitations (rapid, fluttering heartbeat) - Fatigue and weakness - Dizziness or lightheadedness - Shortness of breath - Chest discomfort
Complications Associated with AF
If untreated, AF can lead to serious complications like: - Stroke (AF increases the risk of blood clots forming in the heart, which can travel to the brain) - Heart failure (due to inefficient pumping) - Cognitive decline and dementia
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosis:
- ECG (Electrocardiogram) – Records the electrical activity of the heart.
- Holter monitoring – A portable ECG that tracks heart rhythm over 24-48 hours.
- Echocardiogram – Uses sound waves to visualize the heart structure.
Treatment:
- Medications: Beta-blockers, anticoagulants (blood thinners) to reduce stroke risk, and anti-arrhythmic drugs.
- Cardioversion: Electrical shock to restore normal rhythm.
- Ablation therapy: A procedure to destroy small areas of heart tissue causing abnormal rhythm.
- Lifestyle changes: Healthy diet, exercise, avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
Conclusion
Atrial fibrillation is a serious but manageable condition. Early detection and treatment can improve quality of life and prevent dangerous complications.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines on Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2023/11/29/18/58/New-ACC-AHA-Guideline-Focuses-on-Diagnosis-Management-of-AFib-gl-af
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38033089/
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines/Hubs/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://www.jacc.org/guidelines/atrial-fibrillation
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3314/7738779
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20802247/
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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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