Essay On Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is a very common heart disease characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm. Patients may experience palpitations (heart pounding), chest pain, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. The heart rate may be elevated (>100), slow (<60), or within the normal range.
This condition can be very serious, leading to a drop in blood pressure and even stroke. Given its seriousness, it is important for patients to educate themselves about the causes and treatment of atrial fibrillation.
By the end of this article you will learn the answers to these critical questions:
• What causes atrial fibrillation?
• How common is atrial fibrillation?
• What are the symptoms and signs of atrial fibrillation?
• How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?
• How is …show more content…
This can lead to poor blood flow to the heart, which causes chest pain and shortness of breath. Decreased blood flow to the brain may also result in dizziness and loss of consciousness.
One of the most worrisome consequences of atrial fibrillation is stroke. When the atria are moving irregularly, this causes blood to become stagnant and form clots. Blood clots in the left atrium may eventually dislodge and block off blood supply to the arteries of the brain. When blood supply to the brain is cut off for long enough (usually at least 5 minutes), brain tissue dies, causing symptoms of stroke such as paralysis.
How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?
Atrial fibrillation is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical examination, and electrocardiogram (EKG). EKG is very valuable in this setting because it shows the electrical activity of your heart and can determine whether your symptoms are caused by atrial fibrillation or another abnormal heart rhythm. It also helps rule out one of the most worrisome causes of atrial fibrillation – heart
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is a very common heart disease characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm. Patients may experience palpitations (heart pounding), chest pain, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. The heart rate may be elevated (>100), slow (<60), or within the normal range.
This condition can be very serious, leading to a drop in blood pressure and even stroke. Given its seriousness, it is important for patients to educate themselves about the causes and treatment of atrial fibrillation.
By the end of this article you will learn the answers to these critical questions:
• What causes atrial fibrillation?
• How common is atrial fibrillation?
• What are the symptoms and signs of atrial fibrillation?
• How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?
• How is …show more content…
This can lead to poor blood flow to the heart, which causes chest pain and shortness of breath. Decreased blood flow to the brain may also result in dizziness and loss of consciousness.
One of the most worrisome consequences of atrial fibrillation is stroke. When the atria are moving irregularly, this causes blood to become stagnant and form clots. Blood clots in the left atrium may eventually dislodge and block off blood supply to the arteries of the brain. When blood supply to the brain is cut off for long enough (usually at least 5 minutes), brain tissue dies, causing symptoms of stroke such as paralysis.
How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?
Atrial fibrillation is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical examination, and electrocardiogram (EKG). EKG is very valuable in this setting because it shows the electrical activity of your heart and can determine whether your symptoms are caused by atrial fibrillation or another abnormal heart rhythm. It also helps rule out one of the most worrisome causes of atrial fibrillation – heart