Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (also called AF or A Fib) is the most common form of arrhythmia (heart rhythm disorder). It affects many people, including an estimated 2.3 million people in the United States. Atrial fibrillation is more common in older people, people with high blood pressure, and people with other kinds of heart disease. It can lead to serious health problems such as stroke, fatigue, and heart failure.
Atrial fibrillation occurs when the electrical impulses that cause the heart to beat in a regular rhythmic manner become disorganized, causing the heart to beat irregularly and often too fast with too little force. The irregular pulse can be felt and can be seen on an electrocardiogram. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart made from electrodes (electrical conductors) placed on the surface of the skin, usually on each arm and leg and across the chest. On a normal ECG, the electrical activity of the heart appears as regular peaks and valleys. On an ECG of a person with atrial fibrillation, the peaks and valleys are not regular and often are closer together, representing a quicker heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation decreases the efficiency of the pumping action of the heart. It also increases the risk of formation of blood clots inside the heart. These blood clots can break off and go to other parts of the body, including the brain where they can cause a stroke.
Some people with atrial fibrillation may not experience any symptoms at all. Others report feeling palpitations (a sensation of the heart "flopping") or may have chest discomfort or dizziness. A few people develop sudden and severe shortness of breath.
The two most important treatment goals involve slowing the heart rate to improve heart pumping efficiency and using anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent stroke.
Beta-Blockers and calcium blockers are types of medication that can slow the heart rate.
Warfarin and aspirin are blood thinners. Warfarin is more effective in preventing strokes but can lead to bleeding and requires careful medical supervision.
Electrical cardioversion is a procedure that can reestablish regular rhythm for patients with severe symptoms. The patient is sedated and an electrical charge is given to the heart through the chest.
Other procedures involving surgery or use of a catheter (a tube inserted into the heart through a blood vessel) are available for individuals with severe symptoms.
American Heart Association
800/AHA-USA-1 (242-8721)
http://www.americanheart.org
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
301/592-8573
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
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Sharon Parmet, MS, Writer; Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor
JAMA. 2003;290(8):1118. doi:10.1001/jama.290.8.997.
JAMA. 2003;290(8):1118. doi:10.1001/jama.290.8.997.
Atrial fibrillation (also called AF or A Fib) is the most common form of arrhythmia (heart rhythm disorder). It affects many people, including an estimated 2.3 million people in the United States. Atrial fibrillation is more common in older people, people with high blood pressure, and people with other kinds of heart disease. It can lead to serious health problems such as stroke, fatigue, and heart failure.
WHAT IS ATRIAL FIBRILLATION?
Atrial fibrillation occurs when the electrical impulses that cause the heart to beat in a regular rhythmic manner become disorganized, causing the heart to beat irregularly and often too fast with too little force. The irregular pulse can be felt and can be seen on an electrocardiogram. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart made from electrodes (electrical conductors) placed on the surface of the skin, usually on each arm and leg and across the chest. On a normal ECG, the electrical activity of the heart appears as regular peaks and valleys. On an ECG of a person with atrial fibrillation, the peaks and valleys are not regular and often are closer together, representing a quicker heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation decreases the efficiency of the pumping action of the heart. It also increases the risk of formation of blood clots inside the heart. These blood clots can break off and go to other parts of the body, including the brain where they can cause a stroke.
SYMPTOMS
Some people with atrial fibrillation may not experience any symptoms at all. Others report feeling palpitations (a sensation of the heart "flopping") or may have chest discomfort or dizziness. A few people develop sudden and severe shortness of breath.
POSSIBLE TREATMENTS
The two most important treatment goals involve slowing the heart rate to improve heart pumping efficiency and using anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent stroke.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
http://www.americanheart.org
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
<< Back to article index...
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PEMBROKE PINES - 17890 NW 2 St., Pembroke Pines, FL 33029. Telephone (954) 442-6090, FAX (954) 442-0070
Email: Info@luislugomd.com
DON'T WASTE TIME HOLDING ON THE TELEPHONE. Do you need to make a reservation? Check on a Referral? Request a Prescription Refill? Request Medical Records? No need to call the office. Get help fast by logging on to our PATIENT PORTAL. Ask us about WEB ENABLE on your next Office Visit. All of your Health Needs are right at your fingertips. You can even access your Health Information SECURLY from your Mobile Phone or Tablet. Download the free Mobile App Today. DOWNLOAD THE FREE HEALOW MOBILE APP BY CLICKING HERE, then find us by using our unique practice code. GGAHBA. To use the Patient Portal, please call the office and ask to be Web Enabled. You will need a valid Email Address to receive instructions on the Patient Portal. New Patients may also join us by clicking on the Patient Portal Link at the top of this page then click the Pre Registration Button. Note. Pre Registration is only for new Patients. Regular patients need to be Web Enabled. Call and ask us how to get access.