Atrial Fibrillation: Meaning, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, is when a person has an irregular and very rapid heart rhythm. Irregular heart rhythm, or arrhythmia, can lead to blood clots in the heart, which can increase the risk of heart failure, stroke, and heart-related complications.
What happens during atrial fibrillation
The upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat irregularly and chaotically during atrial fibrillation. They are not in sync with the lower chamber of the heart (ventricles). A lot of people with AFib don’t show any symptoms. Thus, it is suggested not to let a fast or pounding heartbeat, light-headedness, or shortness of breath go unnoticed. One or all of them can be a sign of atrial fibrillation.
Usually, AFib is not life-threatening; however, people with permanent atrial fibrillation may get serious health complications. If left untreated, it can cause fatal issues like stroke.
In some cases, a patient having AFib may also have a co-related heart rhythm issue known as atrial flutter. Treatment for both is similar.
Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation
Here are some major symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
- Lesser ability to work out/exercise
- Palpitations or feelings of a fast or pounding heartbeat
People suffering from atrial fibrillation fail to notice the symptoms; hence, it is crucial to know that it can be inconsistent. It can be occasional, persistent, or permanent.
There are two basic types of Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs):
- Occasional: A condition, also known as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, is when the symptoms don’t occur for a long duration. They come and go, usually lasting for a few minutes to hours. In some cases, they may last for a week. Generally, symptoms go away on their own.
- Longer Persistent: In this condition, a person has an irregular heart rhythm consistently. The symptoms are always prevalent for a longer duration, as long as 12 months. Atrial fibrillation treatment is required to mend the heart rhythm, as the symptoms don’t go away on their own.
- Permanent: It is a long-duration or often a lifetime condition. The upper chamber of the heart beats chaotically. It is difficult to restore a normal pattern to the heart rhythm even after medical treatment. Efforts of restoration often remain unsuccessful.
Causes of Atrial Fibrillation
The following conditions can cause changes to your heart’s tissue and electrical system, which ultimately result in AFib:
- Other cardiovascular diseases: Heart failure, valve disease, or coronary artery disease can cause AFib.
- Genetic conditions: Genetic disorders are also linked with AFib. There is a high chance that it may begin at a younger age when genetic variants are the reason.
- Other medical issues: High blood pressure, obesity, chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, obstructive sleep apnea, and some other medical issues can lead to AFib
- Cardiovascular Surgery: In some rare cases, AFib can occur after a person undergoes heart surgery that treats some other cardiac issue.
- General surgery: AFib can also happen while a person is recovering from general (non-cardiac) surgery. However, the chances are rare.
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Atrial fibrillation ablation is a proven treatment for AFib. During the ablation, doctors either use extreme heat (radiofrequency energy) or cold energy (cryoablation) to create minor scars in the affected area of the patient’s heart to block the faulty signals from reaching the heart.
AFib ablation is done when medicines or other noninvasive procedures don’t work. However, in some cases, it can be the first-line atrial fibrillation treatment.
Process
A doctor inserts a catheter, which is a thin, flexible tube, into blood vessels. The catheter is guided to the heart, where it releases either extreme cold or heat to create scars. Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure.
Risks of ablation
Possible yet rare risks associated with atrial fibrillation ablation are:
- Blood vessel damage
- Bleeding at the catheter insertion point
- Heart attack or stroke
- Damage to the esophagus
- Arrhythmias
- Pulmonary vein stenosis due to narrowed veins
- Damage to kidneys due to dye
How to Prepare for Ablation Fibrillation Ablation
- A patient generally has to undergo certain tests to check the heart health.
- It is suggested to stop eating the night before ablation treatment.
- If the patient is using regular medications, the doctors must be informed so that they can tell you whether the medicines can be taken before the treatment or not.
If you are in need of an atrial fibrillation specialist in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you may consult Dr. Moutaz El Kadri. He has been treating heart rhythm related diseases for more than a decade. You can get your medical condition treated by his experienced hands and live a healthy life.
FAQs
Is atrial fibrillation a fatal condition?
No, generally atrial fibrillation is not a life-threatening medical condition. However, it requires proper treatment, otherwise, it can lead to major life-threatening problems like stroke or heart failure.
Is surgery required for atrial fibrillation treatment?
AFib can be controlled and treated with the help of medicines. When medicines don’t work, doctors suggest ablation, which is a minimally invasive procedure and has a high success rate.
What are warning signs for atrial fibrillation?
If you often feel a sudden rise in heartbeat, if it feels racing, pounding, or fluttering, or you have heart palpitations for a few seconds to minutes, consider it a warning sign.
A heart rate faster than 100 beats per minute may not be normal. Consistent tiredness is also a sign. Consult your doctor if you face any or all of them.
What is the recovery period after atrial fibrillation ablation?
Soreness is a common aftereffect of AFib ablation. It may last for 2-3 days to a week. If it takes longer than a week to go away, then one must consult their doctor.
In general cases, most people resume their everyday life within a few days.
