A-fib or Atrial Fibrillation is a characteristic of an
abnormal heartbeat, the irregular response can be attributed to erratic
electrical impulses in the heart's upper chambers. It is a serious medical
condition that can result in symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest pain,
and dizziness. But some people may not experience any symptoms at all.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 6.1 million people in the
United States may have A-fib. According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
there are around 33.5 million people living with Atrial Fibrillation worldwide.
When it comes to managing A-fib, there are different treatment options
including lifestyle changes, medications, and other nonsurgical options. These
treatments may not work for everybody and keep in mind that they aren’t for
cure. Doctors consider surgery as a last resort only when a patient's
medications aren't working and when nothing else has helped. Before discussing
about the types of surgery for A-fib, learn more about the life-saving CPR
procedure.
The procedure of CPR comprises chest compressions and rescue
breaths. Proper application can revive the life of a cardiac arrest victim.
Every individual should train in this life-saving procedure. Select a certified
training center for acquiring training, such as the AHA certified CPR Columbus
in Ohio. Theoretical as well as practical training are imparted to the
students. There are courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers.
Here’s information on a BLS for healthcare providers Columbus course:
Basic Life Support Classes- This CPR class certifies nursing students, medical
students, dental students, EMTs, paramedics, physical therapy students and ALL Other Healthcare Providers
and Employees in any Medical Field. This course satisfies the American Heart Association CPR
Requirement for All School Programs and is taught in a hands-on, relaxed and
supportive environment.
The other CPR courses for healthcare providers include
Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.
Treating Atrial Fibrillation:
A-fib treatment involves preventing blood clots and lowering
risk of stroke. Goals of treatment include controlling heart rate, restoring
heart rhythm, and treating underlying disorders with lifestyle changes being the
first treatment approach. It’s important for individuals with A-fib to quit
smoking, lose weight, eat a healthful diet and exercise regularly. Medications
may be required to prevent blood clots, control heart rate, and restore heart
rhythm. Electrical cardioversion is the next step when medications do not help
restore normal heart rates and rhythms. Electrical cardioversion is like
defibrillation, designed to reset the ticker rhythm and involves giving a
person an electric shock outside their chest wall while they are under low-dose
anesthesia with the only difference with defibrillation being usage of lower
levels of electricity. The
success of the procedure depends on what is causing the A-fib symptoms and how
long the person has been having them.
Surgery is recommended by doctors to treat A-fib only when lifestyle
changes, medication, and cardioversion haven’t helped with some surgical
options being
Catheter Ablation- The procedure involves insertion of a thin and flexible
tube, called a catheter, into the blood vessels and guiding it to the ticker.
The main purpose of the procedure is to destroy the faulty tissues that are
sending irregular signals and causing the irregular heart rhythm. A doctor- before the procedure- will
do electrical mapping, which shows what areas of the ticker are causing
complications to its rhythm.
Pacemaker- It is a small device that is implanted under a person's skin
in the upper chest near the collarbone that don’t actually treat A-fib but use
electrical pulses to monitor and regulate heart rhythm. A doctor may use catheter ablation and
implant a pacemaker in some cases.
Benefits and Risks:
It is possible to cure Atrial Fibrillation either through
electrical cardioversion or surgery with surgery generally being the last
option. Individuals who consider surgery to be the most appropriate option for
them should consult with their doctors about the potential benefits and risks
in having an ablation or maze procedure.
Comments
Post a Comment