Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial Fibrillation Causes
The most common cause of atrial fibrillation is damage or abnormality in the structure of the heart caused by diseases or conditions including long-term hypertension, heart attacks, and abnormal heart valves, and congenital heart defects, metabolic imbalances like overactive thyroid, lung diseases, viral infection, and even sleep apnea . In some cases, the cause is often unclear, this is known as lone atrial fibrillation.
Atrial Fibrillation Definition
Atrial Fibrillation is an abnormal rhythm of the heart characterized by quivering instead of normal beating. This decreases the efficiency of the heart to move blood increasing the incidence of stroke because of the formation of blood clots in the heart.
Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis
Electrocardiogram(ECG) measures electrical impulses of the heart. Holter Monitor records electrical activity of the heart as you do your daily activities. Echocardiogram provides video images of the heart in motion to detect any structural heart disease. Blood tests to help rule out other conditions leading to atrial fibrillation.
Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms and Signs
Thumping sensation in the chest as if the heart is racing clinically termed as palpitations. Fainting sensation or lightheadedness. Shortness of breath especially when lying down flat. Swollen ankles and feeling exhausted for a long period of time.
Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
Treatments include medications and procedures that aim to reset the heart rhythm to normal or control the heart rate and to prevent blood clot formation. Medications include blood thinners, cardioversion drugs, and anti-arrhytmics to help prevent future episodes of atrial fibrillation. If medications and cardioversion techniques won't work to control atrial fibrillation surgical and catheter interventions are carried out.
Drugs used for treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Betapace
Inderal
Lanoxin