The Abnormal Rhythm Of Heart: Atrial Fibrillation

Oct 07, 2014 Ruchira Dhoke Did You Know?, Lifestyle & Health 0

A heart contracts and relaxes to a regular beat normally. It’s important for the heart to pump efficiently to ensure proper circulation of oxygen in the blood throughout the body.

Heart has a natural pacemaker, called the “sinus node,” that makes electrical signals which causes it to contract and pump blood. These electrical signals can be recorded on an electrocardiogram (ECG) which the doctor can read and find out if they are normal.

When the two small upper chambers (atria) of the heart beat abnormally it’s called as the atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib). The atria beat irregularly and too fast, quivering like a bowl of jelly.

There is a random electrical activity in atrial fibrillation that interrupts the normal conduction rhythm and prevents the atria from contracting properly.

How to know if you have atrial fibrillation?

Some of the symptoms you may experience:

Irregular and rapid heartbeat
Heart palpitations or rapid thumping inside the chest
Dizziness, sweating and chest pain or pressure
Shortness of breath or anxiety
Tiring more easily when exercising
Fainting (syncope)

What will correct your atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation can be corrected with an electric shock that can change the beat of the heart back to normal.
Medicines, such as beta blockers or anti-arrhythmics help return the heart to its normal rhythm.
Medicines, such as digitalis, calcium channel blockers or amiodarone to help slow the heart rate.
Surgical procedures like implanting a pacemaker

How to lower your risk of ischemic stroke?

The risk of stroke can be five times higher in people with AFib because blood may pool in the atria resulting in formation of blood clots. To reduce the risk of ischemic stroke the doctor may prescribe drugs like anticoagulants and antiplatelets such as aspirin and warfarin to keep blood clots from forming.

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Ruchira Dhoke

A qualified medical microbiologist with an avidity to read enchant a deep passion for creating a good impacting masterpiece with my words .I am very fond of good old English literature and like listening to music and paint in my free time.