Summary about Disease
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can increase your risk of strokes, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat chaotically and irregularly, out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles). This uncoordinated beating results in inefficient blood flow to the body.
Symptoms
Heart palpitations (a racing, uncomfortable, or irregular heartbeat)
Shortness of breath
Weakness or fatigue
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Chest pain or pressure
Confusion
Sweating Some people with AFib may not experience any symptoms.
Causes
AFib can be caused by or associated with:
High blood pressure
Coronary artery disease
Heart valve problems
Congestive heart failure
Hyperthyroidism
Lung diseases (like COPD or asthma)
Sleep apnea
Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption
Stress
Certain medications
Age (risk increases with age)
Sometimes, the cause is unknown (idiopathic AFib).
Medicine Used
Medications for AFib aim to control heart rate, prevent blood clots (to reduce stroke risk), and/or restore normal heart rhythm. Common medications include:
Rate control: Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), digoxin.
Rhythm control: Antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., amiodarone, flecainide, propafenone, sotalol).
Anticoagulants (blood thinners): Warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban.
Is Communicable
Atrial fibrillation is not communicable. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
While you can't prevent all cases of AFib, you can take steps to reduce your risk and manage the condition:
Manage underlying health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and thyroid problems.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Eat a heart-healthy diet (low in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol).
Exercise regularly.
Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption.
Quit smoking.
Manage stress.
Follow your doctor's recommendations for medication and lifestyle changes.
Regular check ups with your physician.
How long does an outbreak last?
AFib is not an outbreak, but rather a chronic condition or an episodic arrhythmia.
Paroxysmal AFib: Episodes come and go, usually lasting less than 24 hours and up to 7 days. They stop on their own.
Persistent AFib: Episodes last longer than 7 days. It might require treatment (medication or cardioversion) to restore normal heart rhythm.
Long-standing persistent AFib: Continuous AFib that lasts longer than 12 months.
Permanent AFib: The heart rhythm can't be restored to normal, and medication is used to control the heart rate and prevent blood clots.
How is it diagnosed?
AFib is diagnosed through:
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): A recording of the heart's electrical activity. This is the primary diagnostic tool.
Holter monitor: A portable ECG that records the heart's rhythm continuously for 24-48 hours (or longer) to detect intermittent AFib.
Event recorder: A device that records the heart's rhythm only when symptoms occur.
Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to assess its structure and function.
Blood tests: To check thyroid function, electrolyte levels, and other factors that may contribute to AFib.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary greatly:
Sudden onset: Some people experience a sudden onset of palpitations, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.
Gradual onset: Others may have a more gradual onset of symptoms, such as increasing fatigue or mild palpitations that worsen over time.
Intermittent: Symptoms may come and go, with periods of normal heart rhythm in between episodes of AFib.
Constant: Some people experience persistent symptoms that don't go away without treatment.
Silent AFib: Many people, particularly early on, may have no symptoms at all.
Important Considerations
AFib increases the risk of stroke, so anticoagulation (blood thinners) is often necessary.
Treatment options vary depending on the type of AFib, the severity of symptoms, and underlying health conditions.
Lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in managing AFib.
Regular follow-up with a cardiologist is essential to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.
AFib can significantly impact quality of life, so it's important to address symptoms and prevent complications.