Atrial Fibrillation Research Paper

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation or Afib

Atrial Fibrillation (afib) is a condition in which the atria, two upper chambers of the heart, quiver (or fibrillate) to cause an irregular beat. With the quivering of the atria, blood is unable to push into the ventricles, two lower chambers of the heart, leading to decreased blood flow throughout the rest of the body. Atrial fibrillation is the most common abnormal heart rhythm, affecting an estimated 2.7 million Americans. Men are most at risk, but women die of stroke related complications more often. Though, many of those who diagnosed can go on to live healthy and active lives.

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

Seek help and be aware of symptoms that you make experience with atrial fibrillation:

A clot that travels from the heart to the brain causes a stroke. Those with afib are 5 times more likely to have a stroke than those without afib.

• Heart Failure – If afib is not treated, the heart will weaken, creating heart failure. Heart failure is when the heart will not circulate enough blood to meet the needs of the body.

Causes and Risk Factors of Atrial Fibrillation

Causes and Risk factors of atrial fibrillation include:

• any heart health history (heart valves, heart defects, heart related medical problems, heart attack, heart failure)

• high blood pressure

• diabetes

Those who do not have a heart related condition are month the 10 percent of cases in which advanced age (over 60), over active thyroid, lung diseases, viral infections, stress due illness or surgery, smoking, obesity, sleep apnea are to blame. Some studies lead to the evidence of heredity as well, and sometimes no cause.

Diagnosis of Atrial

The goal for atrial fibrillation treatment is to maintain a normal rate and prevent blood clots. To accomplish these goals, the following treatment options may be recommended by your doctor:

• Treating underlying causes – If your afib is caused by something other than a heart problem, this will be attempted to be corrected first.

• Medications – Two classifications of medications called beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic may be prescribed to help the heart maintain a normal rhythm. Another classification of medications called calcium channel blocker may slow down the heart to a normal rate. Another medication you may be prescribed is an anticoagulant to prevent blood clots.

• Procedure – a procedure such as a cardioversion with or without drugs may be done to reset the heart

• Surgery – surgery may be indicated for a device called a pacemaker to regulate the heart. Other invasive procedures like catheter ablation, atrial ventricular (AV) node ablation, or a surgical maze procedure may be recommended if other treatment has failed.

Prevention of