Overview

Atrial Fibrillation (also called AFib or AF) is a quivering or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. Often Atrial Fibrillation starts as brief periods of abnormal beating which become longer and possibly constant over time.

Symptoms

Atrial Fibrillation or AFib may have no symptoms. Occasionally there may be heart palpitations, fainting, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or chest pain.

Causes

High blood pressure and valvular heart disease are the most common alterable risk factors for AF.Other heart-related risk factors include heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart disease. In the developing world valvular heart disease often occurs as a result of rheumatic fever. Lung-related risk factors include COPD, obesity, and sleep apnea. Other factors include excess alcohol intake, tobacco smoking, diabetes mellitus, and thyrotoxicosis. However, half of cases are not associated with any of these risks.

Diagnosis

The evaluation of atrial fibrillation involves a determination of the cause of the arrhythmia, and classification of the arrhythmia. Diagnostic investigation of AF typically includes a complete history and physical examination, ECG, transthoracic echocardiogram, complete blood count, and serum thyroid stimulating hormone level.

Prevention

To reduce the risk for the onset of AFib, maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle is always your best option. If you have been diagnosed with AFib, take medications if they are prescribed for you, and get proper treatment and management of your condition so you can reduce the risk of AFib's harmful consequences.

Treatment

The main goals of treatment are to prevent circulatory instability and stroke. Rate or rhythm control are used to achieve the former, whereas anticoagulation is used to decrease the risk of the latter. Medicines line Vitamin K Antagonist (VKAs) and NOACs (Dabigatran etc.) are frequently used to manage AF to prevent stroke. If cardiovascularly unstable due to uncontrolled tachycardia, immediate cardioversion is indicated. Regular, moderate-intensity exercise is beneficial for people with AF as is weight loss. In young people with little-to-no structural heart disease where rhythm control is desired and cannot be maintained by medication or cardioversion, then radiofrequency catheter ablation or cryoablation may be attempted and is preferred over years of drug therapy.

Everyday Life

Living with AFib can affect many different aspects of life, including your stamina, relationships and emotional health. But taking an active role in your care can help you feel better and more in control.If untreated, patient may land up having stroke. Few tips which can create difference are:

• Talk with your doctor about how AFib is affecting your life.
• Know your stroke risk.
• Take your medications exactly as prescribed.
• Take steps to manage other medical conditions.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet.

Resources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atrial_fibrillation

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/treatment-and-prevention-of-atrial-fibrillation/prevention-strategies-for-atrial-fibrillation-afib-or-af