Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat too quickly and irregularly. This can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation occurs when the electrical signals that control the heartbeat become disorganized, causing the atria to quiver or fibrillate instead of beating normally. This can lead to a reduction in cardiac output, which can decrease blood flow to the body and increase the risk of stroke and other complications.

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

The symptoms of atrial fibrillation may include:

• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue or weakness
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Syncope (fainting)
• Swollen legs or ankles due to fluid buildup

Causes and Risk Factors of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart valve problems
• Cardiomyopathy (diseases of the heart muscle)
• Thyroid disorders
• Sleep apnea
• Obesity
• Aging
• Family history of atrial fibrillation

Treatments for Atrial Fibrillation

The treatment of atrial fibrillation depends on the severity of symptoms, the underlying cause, and the presence of other medical conditions. The goals of treatment are to:

• Control the heart rate
• Convert the abnormal rhythm back to a normal sinus rhythm
• Prevent stroke and other complications

Medications for Atrial Fibrillation

Medications used to treat atrial fibrillation include:

• Beta blockers (e.g. metoprolol, atenolol) to slow the heart rate
• Calcium channel blockers (e.g. verapamil, diltiazem) to slow the heart rate
• Digoxin to slow the heart rate and increase cardiac output
• Anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin, aspirin) to prevent stroke
• Anti-arrhythmic medications (e.g. flecainide, propafenone) to convert the abnormal rhythm back to a normal sinus rhythm

Non-Surgical Procedures for Atrial Fibrillation

Non-surgical procedures used to treat atrial fibrillation include:

• Electrical cardioversion: a procedure that uses electrical shocks to convert the abnormal rhythm back to a normal sinus rhythm
• Catheter ablation: a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy or cryotherapy to destroy the abnormal electrical pathways in the heart

Surgical Procedures for Atrial Fibrillation

Surgical procedures used to treat atrial fibrillation include:

• Maze surgery: a surgical procedure that creates a pattern of scar tissue in the upper chambers of the heart to block abnormal electrical signals and restore a normal sinus rhythm
• Cardiac surgery (e.g. coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair or replacement) to treat underlying conditions that may be contributing to atrial fibrillation

Lifestyle Changes for Atrial Fibrillation

In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle changes can help manage atrial fibrillation and reduce symptoms. These include:

• Quitting smoking
• Reducing alcohol consumption
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing stress
• Getting enough sleep

Complications of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of several complications, including:

• Stroke: due to blood clots forming in the heart and traveling to the brain
• Heart failure: due to reduced cardiac output and increased pressure on the heart
• Other heart problems (e.g. coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy)
• Kidney disease: due to reduced blood flow to the kidneys