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Atrial fibrillation, also called atrial fibrillation, is one of the most common heart arrhythmias.
It is a rhythm disorder that can cause serious complications if not properly diagnosed and treated. In this article we will discuss what atrial fibrillation is, its symptoms, causes, methods of diagnosis and effective treatments.
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation, also called atrial fibrillation, is a type of cardiac arrhythmia characterized by chaotic and irregular atrial contractions that lead to irregular contractions of the heart’s ventricles. During atrial fibrillation, the atria do not work effectively, which can lead to abnormal blood flow and serious health consequences.
What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?
The symptoms of atrial fibrillation may vary from patient to patient, but the most common are:
- Heart palpitations
- Abnormal pulse
- Dizziness
- Sudden loss of consciousness (dizziness)
- Pain in the chest
- Excessive fatigue
- Trouble breathing
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor because atrial fibrillation can lead to serious complications such as stroke or congestive heart failure.
Atrial fibrillation – causes
The causes of atrial fibrillation can be diverse, but are most often related to risk factors such as:
- Age (older patients are more at risk)
- Hypertension
- Heart diseases such as coronary artery disease or heart failure
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems
- Abuse of alcohol or stimulants
- Obesity
In addition, atrial fibrillation can be caused by stress, fatigue, excessive coffee or overuse of stimulant drugs.
Recognition and diagnosis of atrial fibrillation
The diagnosis of atrial fibrillation involves performing various tests, such as:
- An electrocardiogram (ECG), which records the electrical activity of the heart
- Holter ECG that monitors heart function for several days
- Blood tests to rule out other conditions
- Echocardiography, which allows for the assessment of the structure of the heart
Correctly diagnosing atrial fibrillation is crucial to begin appropriate treatment and prevent complications.
Treatment of atrial fibrillation
Treatment of atrial fibrillation can be varied and depends mainly on the severity of symptoms and the causes of atrial fibrillation in a given patient. The available treatments are:
- Antiarrhythmic drugs that help control heart rhythm
- Electrocardioablation, which involves removing the areas of the heart responsible for irregular contractions
- Pacemaker implantation
- Anticoagulant therapy to prevent strokes
Treatment of atrial fibrillation should be performed by an experienced cardiologist and tailored to the individual needs of the patient.
Your suggestions
If you suspect that you have atrial fibrillation or have any questions about this disorder, do not hesitate to contact your doctor. Regular heart examinations and monitoring of risk factors can help prevent atrial fibrillation.
Recommended articles
If you are interested in more detailed information about atrial fibrillation, we recommend that you read the following articles:
- “Atrial fibrillation – a patient’s guide”
- “Diet and lifestyle and atrial fibrillation”
- “Modern methods of treating atrial fibrillation”
With proper medical care and tailored treatment, people with atrial fibrillation can lead healthy and active lives.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you have any doubts about your health, consult a specialist.