Show Jump to What is atrial fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation (Afib or AF) is a type of irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Arrhythmias are due to electrical signal disturbances of the heart. Afib is the most common arrhythmia, affecting approximately 200,000 Canadians. The risk of developing atrial fibrillation increases with age and with other risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure and underlying heart disease. The main complications of atrial fibrillation are stroke and heart failure. Atrial fibrillation affects the top two chambers of the heart (the atria). Arrhythmias can also occur in the two chambers below the atria (the ventricles), which tend to be more serious than arrhythmias affecting the atria. The atria are the heart's collecting chambers. Regular electrical signals help push blood efficiently from the atria into the pumping chambers (the ventricles). From the ventricles, blood is pumped to the rest of the body. In Afib, the electrical signals are fast, irregular and disorganized, and the heart may not pump as efficiently. Atrial fibrillation can cause your heart to beat very quickly, sometimes more than 150 beats per minute. A faster than normal heartbeat is known as tachycardia. Most people with Afib lead active, normal lives with treatment, but untreated it can interfere with your quality of life. Talk to your doctor if you have Afib and continue to feel unwell. 1 in 4One-fourth of all strokes after age 40 are caused by Afib. Untreated atrial fibrillation puts you at a higher risk for stroke and heart failure. People with atrial fibrillation have 3 to 5 times greater risk for ischemic stroke. During Afib, the atria contract chaotically. Because the atria aren’t moving blood properly, blood pools and gets stuck in the grooves of the heart. Blood clots may form, which could get pumped to the brain. An ischemic stroke is caused when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a clot in a blood vessel in the brain. It is estimated that one-fourth of all strokes after age 40 are caused by Afib. The risk of stroke depends on several other risk factors including the presence of heart failure, having high blood pressure or diabetes, being over 40 years of age, or having had a previous stroke or a mini-stroke (TIA). Studies show that long-term use of the blood thinner warfarin in patients with Afib can reduce the risk of stroke by 70 to 80%. Atrial fibrillation can also lead to heart failure. Heart failure is a condition in which your heart can't circulate enough blood to meet your body's needs. Afib’s irregular, fast heart beat leads to ineffective pumping of the blood which – especially if not controlled – may weaken the heart. Types of Afib Paroxysmal: temporary episodes that come and go. They start suddenly and then the heart returns to a normal beat on its own without medical assistance, usually within 24 hours. Persistent: episodes that last longer than seven days. Usually treatment is needed to return the heart to a normal rhythm. Permanent: the irregular heart rhythm lasts for more than a year despite medications and other treatments. Some people with permanent Afib do not feel any symptoms or require medications. Causes Common causes of Afib include:
In many cases, the cause of atrial fibrillation is not known. If you develop Afib before the age of 60 without any structural heart disease, you may have idiopathic (or lone) atrial fibrillation. Researchers have identified a handful of genes that predispose families to idiopathic Afib. It is also possible for young people without Afib in their family to develop the disease.
Symptoms Some people with Afib may feel fine and not know they have the condition until it is found in a routine test called an electrocardiogram. Other people have symptoms. The symptoms affect people in different ways. If you are experiencing any of these Afib symptoms, visit your doctor.
If you are experiencing chest discomfort or other signs of a heart attack, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately. Ask your doctor to check your pulse on a regular basis. Diagnosis If your pulse is fast and your heartbeat is irregular, your doctor may check you for Afib. They will take your medical history and question you about symptoms and risk factors. Questions may include:
Tests include:
Treatment Your treatment will be based on your risks, medical profile, needs, preferences and how much symptoms are interfering with your quality of life. There are two general treatment strategies – rate control and rhythm control. Your doctor will determine which strategy is best for you based on your symptoms and other factors.
Medications The medications used for atrial fibrillation are:
Here are some tips for managing your medications. Surgeries and other procedures
Lifestyle You can lower your risk of developing other heart diseases and stroke by knowing and controlling your blood pressure, diabetes and blood cholesterol. It’s also important to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Talk to your doctor about the lifestyle changes that will benefit you the most. Living with atrial fibrillation
What is difference between tachycardia and atrial fibrillation?In Afib, the electrical signals are fast, irregular and disorganized, and the heart may not pump as efficiently. Atrial fibrillation can cause your heart to beat very quickly, sometimes more than 150 beats per minute. A faster than normal heartbeat is known as tachycardia.
Can tachycardia be mistaken for AFib?Tachycardia – an abnormally rapid heart rate – can disguise itself as AFib, because it's often a symptom of AFib. Tachycardia can come from an infection, heart disease, congenital abnormalities, or a number of other causes, and can easily be mistaken for persistent AFib.
Which is worse atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia?They also have a higher risk of heart failure, heart attack, cardiac arrest, and dementia. While not as common as AFib, ventricular fibrillation is more deadly.
What heart rate is considered AFib?About atrial fibrillation
A normal heart rate, when you are resting, should be between 60 and 100 beats a minute. In atrial fibrillation, it may be over 140 beats a minute.
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