Understanding Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition in that the beats of the heart are irregular and in most cases very fast. The arrhythmia is due to electrical impulses in the upper chambers of the heart being abnormal. The upper chambers of the heart are the section that makes the heart beat. This abnormal heartbeat may be constant while some patients have the regularity come and go.
Causes of Atrial Fibrillation
Even though the cause of this heart condition has not been discovered, there are things that attribute to atrial fibrillation. These include smoking, alcohol, chemical stimulants, medical conditions such as pneumonia, blood clot in the lungs, overactive thyroid, and heart conditions.
Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation
Many patients do not show any signs of Atrial Fibrillation while others may notice being anxious, fluttering feeling in the chest, fainting, lack of energy, and chest pain.
Diagnosis for Atrial Fibrillation
In order to be diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation, your physician will need to perform a physical exam, which will include your medical history. A few of the tests that may be ordered include EKG, echocardiogram, thyroid tests, and EPS. After learning the test results and reviewing your family’s medical history along with your own, your physician will be able to determine if you are suffering from Atrial Fibrillation.
Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation
According to the type of Atrial Fibrillation, you have been diagnosed with; your physician will determine the type of treatment you will need to return your heartbeat to a normal rate. In most cases the treatment will be things you can do at home using heart care tips. These will include lifestyle changes including not smoking or drinking. After you have changed your lifestyle if the symptoms are still present, your physician may prescribe a medication.
Heart Care Tips to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation
The best way to prevent Atrial Fibrillation is to follow these heart care tips
- Do not smoke
- Quit smoking if you smoke
- You should ensure you are keeping a healthy weight.
- Your physician will recommend low fat or possibly nonfat foods and to add more fiber, vegetables, and fish oil to your diet.
- Exercise strenuously for thirty minutes each day
- Control high blood pressure
- Control high cholesterol
- Do not use stimulants such as coffee or other caffeinated drinks
If other medical conditions are the root cause of atrial fibrillation, it is important to follow your doctors, orders including taking all medications as prescribed.