What we need to know about atrial fibrillation
One of the many heart problems that a person may have is the atrial fibrillation, also called A Fib. This is the most common type of cardiac arrythmia or abnormal heart rhythm that has something to do with the two upper chambers of the heart. The irregular and sometimes rapid heartbeat may be continuous or temporary.
This condition is the most common heart problem and there are over half a million new cases reported yearly in the United States alone. It mostly affects those who are older than 50 years old and the chances of experiencing this condition increase as people grow older.
In this condition, instead of a regular and coordinated contraction, the atrial contractions are irregular due to the multiple impulses that travel through the atria at the same time. As a result, the heart beats rapidly and irregularly and sometimes causing irregular pulse and chest pains.
There are three different patterns wherein A fib may take place namely Intermittent, Persistent, and Permanent. In an Intermittent pattern, the rapid beating of the heart lasts for seconds to days and will be back to its normal pace again while in an Persistent pattern, the irregular heart beat occurs frequently and it does not come back to its normal rate. This pattern usually needs medical treatment in order to end it. Permanent is a state where the irregular and rapid beating is unending and no medical treatment or procedure may be done to cure it.
Although this condition is common, some of the individuals who experience it do not have signs or symptoms. But usually, aside from the fast and irregular heartbeat, other symptoms of atrial fibrillation include palpitations, a feeling of flopping and fast heartbeats in the chest, dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, and decreased blood pressure.
A fib is not life threatening but when not properly diagnosed, it may lead to serious and major heart problems for the person who is experiencing it. It is strongly advised to seek medical help and opinion when a person experiences A Fib that comes and goes or if it occurs more frequently. This must be done especially if the individual has been diagnosed or detected of A fib before, so that no further complications may develop.
If an individual continuously experiences A Fib, several medical exams and tests may be done to detect the possible cause and prevent grave complications from happening. Electrocardiogram or ECG is the main test to undergo in order to evaluate and detect the possible damage to the heart of the person. Chest X-ray may also be done to see and analyze the image produced and examine if there is enlargement of the heart or fluids in the lungs. Echocardiogram is a kind of ultrasound test wherein it makes use of sound waves to have an image of the inside of the heart while it is beating, therefore revealing if there are any blood clots in the atria.
It seems that atrial fibrillation is not dangerous and that anyone may experience it, but it is still better to be aware and be informed of its causes and possible effects so that extra prevention may be done to avoid and to put a stop to it.
You can learn more about atrial fibrillation when you take peek inside our website now. It is important to do the necessary preventive care as early as possible since this heart condition can lead to other complications like stroke and heart attack.
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