Atrial Fibrillation

What is Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cause of the heart beating irregularly. Such palpitations feel unpleasant and can also signify other health problems.

What are the Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

People with atrial fibrillation may feel their heart is racing or thumping in their chest. People often describe this sensation as palpitations. Many people also feel faint or light-headed.

When blood doesn't pass through the heart as effectively as it should, other symptoms may occur. People may feel short of breath, especially when lying down flat, their ankles may become swollen and they feel unusually tired for a great deal of the time.

What are the Causes of Atrial Fibrillation

When electrical impulses travel along pathways to the heart muscle, they trigger the muscle to contract or beat. While this system is working properly, the heart beats regularly and without a problem.

However, if something damages or interferes with the transmission of these electrical impulses, the heart may beat faster and irregularly, called fibrillation. As a consequence, the heart doesn't work as effectively as it should.

Traditional Medical Treatments for Atrial Fibrillation

The goals of treatment are:

To restore a regular heart rate. This can be done with electrocardioversion using electrical current to shock the heart, or with medication.

To control the heart rate. This is usually done with medication, for example, digoxin.

To prevent clots forming and causing strokes. This is usually done by giving blood-thinning medication.

Atrial fibrillation may be a result of other heart problems, such as coronary artery disease, which can need treatment. When it's because of an overactive thyroid gland, treating the thyroid dysfunction will usually resolve the atrial fibrillation.