Atrial Fibrillation
Disease information
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation
.
Totally irregular heart
rhythm
.
Fibrillation
means disorganized contraction of heart
muscle
fibers.
It occurs in the atria, chambers of receipt of blood to the heart, usually to dilate.
Sex.
It affects adults without any preferences for sex.
Complications.
Acute
pulmonary
edema.
Arterial
thrombosis
or embolism.
Congestive heart
failure
.
Cardiac
arrest.
Forecast.
The
normal
heart
rhythm
can be restored with electrocardioversión in 50% of cases, even if the
fibrillation
is of long duration, usually reappear.
In the other 50%, certain symptoms can be controlled with medication.
The patients that restores
normal
heart
rhythm
unites have life expectancies greater, more strength and
energy
to those who suffer from
atrial
fibrillation
continuously.
Causes.
Either that dilates the atria, or damage the fabric of driving, such as:
Heart
disease
caused by
rheumatic
fever.
Atherosclerosis
, with or without prior heart
attack
.
Hyperthyroidism
.
Congestive heart
failure
.
Signs and symptoms.
Sometimes there are no symptoms.
Continuous pulsations irregular heartbeats that are not of equal strength and duration.
Weakness, dizziness or
fainting
(sometimes)
Risk Factors.
Stress
.
Condition of the heart valves.
Recent heart surgery.
Disorderly electrolytes, especially
potassium
level low.
Pulmonary
embolism.
Excessive use of some drugs such as
thyroid
hormones, caffeine and others.
Smoking
.
Excessive consumption of
alcohol
.
Obesity
.
Prevention.
Avoid the risk factors for
atherosclerosis
and
coronary
artery
disease
.
Continue rigorously treatment for heart conditions that have lapsed.
Diagnosis and Treatment.
DIAGNOSIS:
history and physical examination by
a
doctor
.
Electrocardiography.
Blood tests to determine levels of the drugs used in treatment.
TREATMENT:
Medical treatment.
Hospitalization (sometimes)
Electroshock (electrocardioversión) to try to restore
a
normal
heart
rhythm
.
General measures.
Ask your relatives and friends who learn the techniques of cardiopulmonary resuscitation by if you have
a
heart
failure
.
Do not smoke, use the mind - altering drugs or drink more than 1 or 2
alcoholic
drinks
a
day.
Learn to take the pulse (beats per minute) and check its regularity.
Call the
doctor
if there are any changes.
Reduce
stress
.
Medication.
Your
doctor
may prescribe:
Medication for the heart as:
digital
.
quinidine,
Calcium
channel blockers or.
beta - adrenergic blockers, to regulate the heart rate.
Anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents to prevent blood clots.
Activity
.
Go back to your
normal
activities as soon as symptoms improve.
Consult your physician before resuming
sexual
relations.
Diet.
If you are obese need to lose
weight
,
but
no use of appetite suppressants, could worsen the disorderly heart
rhythm
.
The
primary
coronary
heart
disease
may need
a
diet low in fat and salt and
potassium
supplements.
Advise your
doctor
if.
The following occurs during treatment:
Changes in the
cardiac
rhythm
and strength.
Chest pain, sweating and weakness.
Shortness of breath or swelling of feet and ankles.
Pain in the calves when walking.
New unexplained symptoms. The drugs used in treatment can cause side effects.
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