Atrial
fibrillation or A-fib is a condition in which the upper two chambers of the
ticker beat quickly and irregularly that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart
failure and other heart-related complications. Chronic atrial fibrillation is a
term used to describe the condition in individuals who experience long-term
symptoms. Chronic A-fib may also be called long-standing, persistent A-fib.
Symptoms:
Individuals
with A-fib might not have any symptoms at all. Other people may experience
symptoms or a combination of symptoms like fatigue, fluttering feeling in the
chest, palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, general
weakness, sweating and dizziness. Someone experiencing these symptoms for the
first time should visit emergency room with immediate effect as the symptoms
can be signs of other cardiac problem, including a heart attack (myocardial
infarction). Furthermore, someone diagnosed with A-fib should also see their
healthcare provider if they notice a change in their symptoms.
Risk Factors:
Anyone, even
individuals who are otherwise healthy can develop chronic A-fib. The risk
factors that put some people at higher risk for developing chronic A-fib
include high blood pressure, diabetes, lung disease, alcohol consumption in
excess, thyroid problems, previous open heart surgery, problems with the ticker
structure, untreated atrial flutter (an abnormal heart rhythm that starts in
the atrial chambers of the ticker), coronary artery disease, inflammation
around the ticker, cardiomyopathy, sick sinus syndrome, a family history of
A-fib, other serious illnesses or infections.
Treatment:
Treatment
options for chronic A-fib includes lifestyle changes, medications, surgery,
ablation, pacemakers or similar devices, procedures to reset the ticker’s rhythm.
Lifestyle changes include following a healthy diet that is good for the ticker
and performing the recommended amount of exercise. Quit smoking and reduce your
alcohol and caffeine intake.
Along with
lifestyle changes, healthcare providers typically recommend medications such as
beta blockers or calcium channel blockers (slowing down abnormally fast heart
rate), antiarrhythmics (restoring normal heart rhythm), blood thinners and
medications to treat related conditions like thyroid problems, high blood pressure,
etc.- to manage the risks and symptoms of chronic A-fib. Medications may not
improve the symptoms entirely for some people, so they may require an
electronic device to manage the condition. The devices include pacemakers
and implanted cardioverter
defibrillator that regulate the ticker by delivering a controlled shock to the
ticker when there’s a need to reset the rhythm. A doctor inserts these devices
into a person’s chest. A doctor sometimes recommends a procedure to reset the
person’s ticker rhythm using a catheter ablation or cardioversion.
Preventive
Measures:
It’s not
always possible to prevent A-fib, but you can take a few steps to stay healthy
which invariably reduces the risk of developing the condition. Eat a diet rich
in omega 3s, fruits, whole grains, and vegetables; keep your blood sugar levels
in check; exercise regularly; control blood pressure; limit alcohol
consumption; quit smoking; maintain a healthy weight; avoid excess caffeine and
avoid trans and saturated fats. If your A-fib is associated with another
illness, the underlying condition needs to be treated to stop A-fib.
Consult with
your doctor or dietitian who can help create a general health plan to help you
reach your goals safely.
Efficiently manage cardiac emergencies by
getting CPR trained. For more information or to join a course at the AHA certified CPR Columbus, call on 614-321-2094.
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