Atrial fibrillation

March 9, 2012

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Atrial fibrillation   it is one of the possible cardiac arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation and is, perhaps, the most common disorder. Generally, the changes in the normal operation of the heart, which will be discussed to occur as complications CHD   ( coronary heart disease ).

However, although CHD is the main but not the only reason that leads to atrial fibrillation. These may also include increased thyroid function, which, in turn, arises because of the specific disease.

In medicine atrial fibrillation in two different forms: constant   (also called Chronic ) And temporary   (also called paroxysmal ).

Speaking briefly about the symptoms of atrial fibrillation, we can note their similarity to arrhythmias . The patient also feels periodic disruptions in heart rhythm, occasionally can occur headedness or fainting, which is accompanied by a blackout. In this connection it is synonymous with atrial fibrillation atrial fibrillation .

Although the disease itself is a complication of coronary heart disease, it can also have negative effects on the body and cause other illnesses. The most common consequences are strokes Arising from thrombosis .

Of blood clots in the arteries just contribute to changes in heart rhythm. As a result, the blood clots may appear - thrombi that are directly in the atrium. Ibid, sticking to the inner wall, they develop.

All this suggests that the disease is in any case can not be started, and should strictly comply with the doctor's recommendation. It is proved that if the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation promptly performed, and the patient receiving the procedure in compliance with medication, risk of thrombosis, as well as other complications, is significantly reduced.

The manifestation of atrial fibrillation

As we have noted, atrial fibrillation - one type of heart rhythm disturbances. In the normal state this principal organ of the human body, acts as a high-precision mechanism, each part of which matched. In the case of the described diseases atrial contraction can significantly thicken up to six times per minute.

If the same frequency is transmitted in ventricles , The disease would be even more serious than it is. However, despite the lack of coordination of the atria and ventricles, before they can reach a rate of up to 200 pulses / minute. This is due to the fact that the atrioventricular node can not produce more cuts and, in fact, acts as a filter unnecessary frequencies. Naturally, at the same time sinus node   no longer fulfills its function "Settings" rhythm.

We said that atrial fibrillation exists in two forms. If a temporary form of several hours, the risk of blood clots is relatively small. You can not say about the cases where the duration of atrial fibrillation is a few days. In this case, the risk of stroke increases several times. Eventually paroxysmal can go into a constant, then the risk of stroke is added to the probable development Heart Failure .

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation

All of the major symptoms of atrial fibrillation associated with an increase in heart rate. Naturally, such a frequency can not be taken lightly for a man who clearly feels a sudden palpitations, weakness. Violation of the rhythm leads to lack of oxygen So the patient often feels shortness of breath . By the described features may also be added chest pain .

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation may vary in duration. As a rule, they appear and disappear at the same time attacks. That is, it can take from a couple of seconds to a few hours up to a day (during that time, the display may change).

On the first couple of atrial fibrillation symptoms disappear in a short time, even without the use of any drugs. But we must understand that these attacks never come alone. For the first, short the next attack will come. Therefore, when the first signs should be referred to a specialist for treatment.

At risk of atrial fibrillation

Scientists were able to identify several key factors that significantly increase the risk of atrial fibrillation . Among these include age, heart disease, some chronic diseases, alcohol abuse. Next we will explain the impact of each factor separately.

It is known that changes in some human organs with growing up are just some manifestations of aging. Such changes affect both atria, which puts the elderly at risk.

Heart defects   and other organic diseases of the body and increase the likelihood of arrhythmias his work. And it applies to have an illness that had been cured through surgery.

At the beginning we mentioned that thyroid problems It is a significant factor that significantly increases the likelihood of disease. The list also includes contributing factors hypertension .

And finally, atrial fibrillation occurs more often in people who abuse alcohol. During intoxication nature of the work of the whole body and its organs, it is significantly different from normal. Therefore, frequent reception of alcohol - a direct way at risk.

Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation

There are two main methods of detection of the disease: ECG   and Holter . In the description of the electrocardiogram, we shall not stop, as this well-known diagnostic procedure, and about Holter briefly describe in this article.

It is defined as a continuous recording of the heart rhythm for one or more days. As a result, the doctor is in the hands of a complete picture of the patient's heart, which helps to promptly and accurately correct diagnosis.

One variety is Holter monitoring record paroxysms   online. It is carried out by means of a special device, which for the duration of study is connected to the patient. As soon as the patient's heart rhythm is disturbed (begins attack), the device transmits the ECG signals over a telephone line. This method of study allows the patient to not break away from business as usual, so this diagnosis of atrial fibrillation is becoming more popular every day.

Treatment of atrial fibrillation

The method of treating a disease depends on its shape. At the time the form of mild asthma is made, at a constant shape - regular medication.

Cupping   This treatment of atrial fibrillation, which is the termination of the attack under the influence of effective drugs. These include novokainamid   and quinidine . Please note that taking them in any case can not start on their own. Moreover, a prescription will not be enough, the specialist should be close during insertion or receiving procainamide quinidine, and to monitor the heart are continuously eat cardiogram.

An alternative to the said drugs may be kordaron   or propanorm . Relieve the symptoms of atrial fibrillation can Inderal . digoxin   and / or verapamil . Although treatments are not effective, but the patient's condition significantly easier.

In addition to drugs, there is also a special procedure for the relief, which is called electrical cardioversion . According to observations, the effectiveness of this technique can reach 90%. Universal application prevents the need for electrical cardioversion General anesthesia   patient, so long as it is used only in severe cases where there is a threat to the life of the patient, or other methods have been exhausted.

We draw your attention to the fact that the relief is only effective for the first time after the attack. Already after two days at incessant fit increases the risk of thrombosis, and as a consequence of stroke. If the symptoms of atrial fibrillation stored for a long time, it is obligatory to start taking medicines that reduce blood clotting. Typically, physicians prescribe warfarin Which provides a quick positive effect. If the docking is successful, then the drug lasts up to 1 month.

Unfortunately, if during this time to get rid of the disease can not, then the drug or its analogs will be your companion for life. If relief has been successful, then it is replaced with drugs that prevent the re-emergence of arrhythmia. This can be allapinin . kordaron   and others.

If the disease is transferred from a temporary into a permanent form, the further treatment of atrial fibrillation should have two objectives. Firstly, it is necessary to provide the heart in normal rhythm. And secondly, it is required to do everything possible to prevent the occurrence of blood clots.

Both are successfully solved by medication. For example, it may be digoxin   and warfarin   respectively. In the treatment process is constantly monitored the work of the heart and the condition of the patient's blood.

In fairness, we note that there is also a radical treatment of atrial fibrillation, which can rid the patient of this disease. This method acts RF isolation of the pulmonary veins . The reason for the spread of small operations is its high cost is not feasible for the average patient, and the efficiency at which every second or third patient's atrial fibrillation appears again after some time.