Atrial fibrillation in adults

Atrial fibrillation is an outdated name, now doctors diagnose atrial fibrillation. But this does not change the essence – the pathology is dangerous and requires close attention from both specialists and the patient himself.

What is atrial fibrillation of the heart

Atrial fibrillation is a rapid, subjectively unpleasant heartbeat in which the electrical signals that regulate the work of the myocardium do not work correctly: instead of working together, the atria contract out of sync.

With atrial, there is a risk of heart failure – a serious condition in which the heart is not able to provide full blood circulation. In addition, blood stagnates inside the heart itself, forming clots (thrombi). And if one of the blood clots gets into the vessels of the brain, a stroke may develop.

Atrial fibrillation can occur in short episodes (attacks) or be a permanent condition.

Pathology has several options depending on the duration or cause. The type of arrhythmia may change over time, and treatment will depend on what complaints and symptoms are identified.

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. This is an episode of atrial fibrillation that lasts less than a week. Symptoms may appear within a few minutes or a few days. Perhaps treatment in this case is not required, but in any case, you should consult a doctor.

There is the so-called “holiday heart syndrome” – atrial fibrillation that occurs after stormy libations. The same arrhythmia can manifest itself against the background of severe stress.

Persistent atrial fibrillation. In this case, atrial fibrillation begins with short-term atrial fibrillation (paroxysmal fibrillation). The attack usually lasts longer than a week. A person is more likely to develop persistent atrial fibrillation if they are elderly or smokers, have high blood pressure, heart failure, coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart valve disease.

Persistent persistent atrial fibrillation. A variant when atrial fibrillation does not go away for more than a year.

Valvular atrial fibrillation. This type affects people with an artificial heart valve or valve disease, such as valvular stenosis (when one of the heart valves narrows) or insufficiency (the valve does not close, allowing some of the blood to flow in the wrong direction).

Acute atrial fibrillation. This rapid, erratic heartbeat comes on quickly and resolves quickly (usually within 24 to 48 hours). The causes are age, cardiovascular disease, alcohol abuse, diabetes, and lung disease.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation. This is the most common complication of cardiovascular surgery. Increases the risk of heart failure and stroke.

Causes of atrial fibrillation in adults

More than 2 million Russians suffer from this pathology. It is more common in people over 60 years of age. In addition, other heart pathologies can increase the likelihood of atrial fibrillation:

• heart disease due to high blood pressure;
• heart valve damage;
• damage to the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy);
• congenital heart disease;
• heart failure;
• cardiac ischemia;
• heart surgery.

In addition, chronic lung disease (eg, COPD), an overactive thyroid gland, sleep apnea, pulmonary embolism, and drugs (adenosine, digitalis, theophylline) can also provoke atrial fibrillation.

Sometimes the problem is associated with an excess of alcohol, caffeine, drug use. Infections, genetics and imbalance of electrolytes (sodium and potassium, calcium, magnesium) affect.

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation in adults

The main symptoms of atrial fibrillation include:

• fast, uneven heartbeat – the heart is pounding or fluttering in the chest;
• chest pain or pressure;
• respiratory failure, shortness of breath, lack of air;
• fatigue or weakness;
• dizziness or lightheadedness.

If you have these signs, call your doctor and make an appointment as soon as possible. If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, call an ambulance.

Sometimes atrial fibrillation does not show any symptoms.

Treatment of atrial fibrillation in adults

Before making a diagnosis, the doctor will ask the patient about the symptoms and prescribe several tests.

Diagnostics

The main studies to detect atrial fibrillation include ECG, echocardiogram, CT, MRI.

The doctor may also order a stress test to see how the heart is working, when the patient is active they will be asked to walk on a treadmill or pedal on an exercise bike with sensors connected to an ECG machine.

To make a diagnosis, a Holter monitor can also be used, which must be worn on the body for several days – the device will automatically record all changes in the work of the heart.

In addition, blood tests to check the thyroid, liver and kidneys, as well as a chest x-ray can be ordered to make sure that the cause of heart disease is not lung pathology.

Modern treatments

Depending on how severe the symptoms are, a cardiologist may recommend medication, surgery, or even a pacemaker to keep the heart on a normal rhythm.

Medicines. There are drugs that help control the heart’s rhythm, slow it down, and prevent blood clots. Usually, with atrial fibrillation, beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents are prescribed.

Surgical methods. They are resorted to in the case when drugs do not give results:

• electrical cardioversion – a special defeat of the heart with an electric current in order to restore the correct rhythm;
• ablation – an operation in which a problematic area of ​​uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe heart is hit with a laser, radio waves or frozen, resulting in the formation of scar tissue that is not capable of causing chaotic contractions of the heart;
• pacemaker – installing it will help prevent too slow heartbeat.

Prevention of atrial fibrillation in adults at home

The key to a healthy heart is a healthy lifestyle.

• eat right – eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as whole grains and lean protein;
• stop drinking and smoking;
• avoid stressful situations and strong emotions such as anger, fear and anxiety – do yoga, listen to music, properly distribute your working time;
• add physical activity to your life.

Popular questions and answers

For questions about atrial fibrillation, we asked to answer general practitioner, cardiologist Anna Isaeva.