Summary about Disease
Atrial Fibrillation (Often Referred to by Patients as Quivering Auricle) 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 out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles). This irregular beating leads to inefficient blood flow.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals may experience no symptoms at all. Common symptoms include:
Heart palpitations (a fluttering, racing, or pounding sensation in the chest)
Shortness of breath
Weakness or fatigue
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Chest pain or pressure
Confusion
Sweating
Causes
AFib can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
High blood pressure
Coronary artery disease
Heart valve problems
Congenital heart defects
Hyperthyroidism
Lung diseases
Sleep apnea
Excessive alcohol consumption
Stimulant use (caffeine, nicotine)
Stress
Certain medications
Sometimes, the cause is unknown (idiopathic AFib)
Medicine Used
Medications for AFib aim to control heart rate, prevent blood clots, and restore a normal heart rhythm. Common medications include:
Rate Control Medications: Beta-blockers (metoprolol, atenolol), Calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil), Digoxin. These medications slow down the heart rate.
Rhythm Control Medications: Antiarrhythmics (amiodarone, flecainide, propafenone, sotalol). These medications attempt to restore and maintain a normal heart rhythm.
Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners): Warfarin, Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, Edoxaban. These medications reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke. Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and the specific medications used will depend on the individual patient's condition and medical history.
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 AFib itself isn't preventable in all cases, several precautions can help reduce your risk or manage the condition:
Manage underlying health conditions: Control high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and manage stress.
Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption.
Quit smoking.
Get regular checkups and follow your doctor's recommendations.
Adhere to prescribed medications.
How long does an outbreak last?
AFib isn't an "outbreak" like an infectious disease. It's a chronic condition. Individual episodes of AFib can last for varying lengths of time:
Paroxysmal AFib: Episodes come and go, usually stopping within 24-48 hours without treatment, but can last up to 7 days.
Persistent AFib: Episodes last longer than 7 days and may require treatment (medications or cardioversion) to restore a normal rhythm.
Long-standing Persistent AFib: Continuous AFib that lasts for more than 12 months.
Permanent AFib: The patient and doctor decide not to pursue further attempts to restore a normal rhythm.
How is it diagnosed?
AFib is diagnosed through:
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This is the primary diagnostic tool and records the electrical activity of the heart.
Holter Monitor: A portable ECG that records heart activity for 24-48 hours or longer.
Event Recorder: A device that records heart activity when the patient experiences symptoms.
Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to assess its structure and function.
Blood Tests: To check thyroid function, electrolytes, and other factors that can 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 dizziness.
Gradual Onset: Others may have a more gradual onset of fatigue and weakness that worsens over time.
Intermittent Symptoms: Symptoms may come and go, especially in paroxysmal AFib.
Silent AFib: Some individuals experience no noticeable symptoms at all. The progression of AFib, if untreated, can lead to more frequent and longer episodes, and potentially to permanent AFib.
Important Considerations
Stroke Risk: A major concern with AFib is the increased risk of stroke due to blood clots forming in the heart. Anticoagulant medications are often prescribed to reduce this risk.
Individualized Treatment: Treatment for AFib is highly individualized and depends on the severity of symptoms, underlying health conditions, and the patient's preferences.
Regular Monitoring: Patients with AFib require regular monitoring by a healthcare professional to assess the effectiveness of treatment and adjust it as needed.
Lifestyle Modifications: Lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, can play a significant role in managing AFib.
Comorbidities: AFib often occurs with other heart conditions and risk factors, making comprehensive management crucial.