An abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) known as Atrial Fibrillation (AF or A-fib) is defined by the rapid and erratic beating of the atrial chambers of the heart. Little bouts of aberrant beating are frequently the first to appear, and over time, they often grow longer or never stop. It might also begin as another type of arrhythmia, like atrial flutter, before changing into AF. Episodes could not show any symptoms. Heart palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and chest pain are examples of symptomatic episodes. Heart failure, dementia, and stroke risk are all elevated by atrial fibrillation. Supraventricular tachycardia of this kind. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is a type of cardiac arrhythmia characterized by irregular and often rapid heartbeats. It is the most common type of arrhythmia, and its prevalence increases with age. Atrial fibrillation can lead to various complications, including stroke, heart failure, and cognitive impairment. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of atrial fibrillation. Causes The exact cause of atrial fibrillation is not always known, but certain factors can increase the risk of developing this condition. Some of these factors include:
The most frequent modifiable risk factors for Atrial Fibrillation are high blood pressure and valvular heart disease. Heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart disease are other heart-related risk factors. Rheumatic fever is frequently to blame for valvular heart disease in low- and middle-income nations. The risk factors for lung disease include obesity, COPD, and sleep apnea. The use of excessive amounts of alcohol, smoking, diabetes, and thyrotoxicosis are additional risk factors. However, none of the aforementioned dangers are present in around 50% of cases. After feeling the pulse, medical experts may suspect Atrial Fibrillation and confirm the diagnosis by reading an electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG indicative of AF displays P waves but with unevenly spaced QRS complexes. Reduced alcohol use, greater physical activity, and weight loss in obese individuals are just a few healthy lifestyle modifications that can lower the incidence of atrial fibrillation and lessen its effects if it does occur. AF is frequently managed using drugs that either reduce the heart rate to a range that is close to normal (rate control) or change the rhythm to normal sinus rhythm (known as rhythm control). When a person is unstable, electrical cardioversion, which can return AF to a normal heart rhythm, is frequently required. Some people's recurrences may be prevented with ablation. Blood-thinning medications are not always necessary for people with Atrial Fibrillation who have a low risk of stroke, though some medical professionals may recommend aspirin or an anti-clotting drug. Experts typically advise taking an anti-clotting medicine for people at higher than low risk. Warfarin and other direct oral anticoagulants are examples of anticoagulant medicines. Stroke risk is increased for the majority of persons. These drugs lower the risk of stroke but raise the incidence of serious bleeding.
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