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.
Understanding Fibrillation
Introduction
Fibrillation is a term used in cardiology to describe a rapid and irregular heart rhythm caused by disorganized electrical activity in the heart. It can affect both the atria (upper chambers) and the ventricles (lower chambers) of the heart.
Types of Fibrillation:
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) : This is the most common type and occurs when the atria contract in a chaotic, irregular manner. It increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications.
- Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib) : This is a life-threatening condition where the ventricles quiver instead of pumping blood. It requires immediate medical intervention, usually with defibrillation.
Causes and Risk Factors
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart diseases such as coronary artery disease and heart failure
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Thyroid disorders
- Sleep apnea
- Genetic predisposition
Symptoms of Fibrillation
- Palpitations (rapid, irregular heartbeat)
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Fatigue
Diagnosis
A doctor may use an electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect fibrillation. Other tests may include an echocardiogram, Holter monitoring, or blood tests to identify underlying causes.
Treatment Options
For Atrial Fibrillation:
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Medications
- Blood thinners (to prevent stroke)
- Beta-blockers (to control heart rate)
- Antiarrhythmic drugs (to stabilize rhythm)
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Procedures
- Electrical cardioversion (restores normal rhythm)
- Catheter ablation (destroys abnormal heart tissue)
- Pacemaker implantation (for certain cases)
For Ventricular Fibrillation:
- Emergency Defibrillation (electric shock to restore normal rhythm)
- Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) (for prevention of recurrence)
- Medications (such as antiarrhythmic drugs)
Prevention
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol
- Avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine
- Treating underlying conditions like sleep apnea and thyroid disorders
Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and prevent complications.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2023-acc-aha-accp-hrs-guideline-for-the-diagnosis-and-management-of-atrial-fibrillation
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/afib-resources-for-patients--professionals
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38033089/
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/
3. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Ventricular Arrhythmias
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405500X22010945
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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!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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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.