4 things to understand before undertaking atrial fibrillation treatment

A disease found to affect a huge population around the world, atrial fibrillation is a condition that is characterized by an irregularity in the heart beat. This abnormal rate of the heart beats can lead to issues such as heart failure, blood clots and other serious complications in the heart. When one suffers from atrial fibrillation, the two upper chambers beat chaotically, devoid of any coordination with the lower chambers of the heart.

Atrial fibrillation is not a life-threatening condition; however, the condition can sometimes lead to serious medical complications. The effects of atrial fibrillation may be experienced in the form of episodes. These episodes may come and go, with the condition worsening furthermore. Thus, it is important for a patient to undergo treatment that will aid in managing the condition over time. Here are some important factors to understand before undergoing treatment for atrial fibrillation:

What are the symptoms associated with atrial fibrillation?

There are some people who may experience no symptoms with atrial fibrillation. This leads to many individuals being unaware of this heartbeat disorder until they undergo a physical examination. The most common types of symptoms experienced with atrial fibrillation include:

• Unexplainable weakness that prevails over a long time
• Sensations and palpitations that cause serious discomfort in the chest. One may also experience irregular heartbeats that race rapidly with a feeling of flip-flopping around the heart
• Inability to catch on breath
• Severe pain in the chest
• Confusion and inability to understand things
• Fatigue without excess physical activity
• Inability to undertake physical activities

If an individual experiences any or a combination of the above symptoms, it is imperative to visit the doctor immediately and undergo effective atrial fibrillation treatment.

Who is at the risk of getting affected by atrial fibrillation?

Certain factors that may put one at an increased risk of suffering from atrial fibrillation are:

• Alcohol consumption: While not very common when had in proportion, drinking alcohol may put some people at an increased risk of atrial fibrillation episodes. Regular drinking can put one at a serious risk of suffering from the condition.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese can trigger a plethora of conditions including atrial fibrillation.
• Chronic diseases : Chronic diseases such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes, lung disease and thyroid issues increase the risk of suffering from atrial fibrillation.
• Heart conditions: People with prevalent heart diseases like heart valve problems, congestive heart failure or even a history of heart attack can be at risk.
• Genetics : If one’s ancestors have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, they are more susceptible to the heart condition.

How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?
If one notices symptoms, it is imperative to see a physician who can undertake diagnosis followed by atrial fibrillation treatment. The doctor will begin by examining the heartbeat with a stethoscope. In case of the slightest indication of irregular heartbeats, the doctor will ask one to undergo tests such as:

• Electrocardiogram: Electrocardiogram is the simplest kind of test that is employed for the diagnosis of the condition. It involves a painless process that records the electrical activity of the heart.
• Holter monitor: This is a device that is used to record the constant activity of the patient’s heartbeat. It enables to pick up any abnormal rhythm of the heart’s activity.

How does the doctor decide the right atrial fibrillation treatment methods?

The right atrial fibrillation treatment methods are formulated after evaluating factors such as:

• The causes of the condition – in case they are known
• Risk of the patient suffering from heart stroke and other heart related issues
• Intensity of symptoms
• When the patient was affected with the condition
• The side-effects associated with the given treatment method

Atrial fibrillation is a condition that can be prevented by undertaking steps to maintain a healthy heart. The right lifestyle alterations such as eating healthy foods, maintaining an optimal body weight and avoiding the intake of caffeine and alcohol are good ways to reduce the risk of suffering from atrial fibrillation.  

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