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�Diseases, Conditions and Injuries
Atrial FibrillationDefinition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention | Organizations En Espa�ol (Spanish Version) DefinitionAtrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm. The heart's electrical system normally sends regularly spaced, predictable signals, telling the heart muscle to contract, or beat. The heart has two upper chambers, called atria, and two lower chambers, called ventricles. Each signal starts in the atria and travels to the rest of the heart. In atrial fibrillation, the electrical signals from the atria are fast and irregular. The atria quiver, rather than contract. Some signals do not reach the ventricles and the ventricles continue pumping, usually irregularly and rapidly. This fast, uncoordinated rhythm prevents the heart from efficiently pumping blood out to the body. Blood left in the heart chambers can form clots. These clots may sometimes break away, travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
Atrial Fibrillation Copyright � 2005 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. www.nucleusinc.com CausesIn most cases, atrial fibrillation is due to an existing heart condition. But atrial fibrillation can occur in people with no structural heart problems. A thyroid disorder or other condition may cause the abnormal rhythm. In some cases, the cause is unknown. Risk FactorsA risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
SymptomsSymptoms can vary from mild to severe, depending on your heart function and overall health. Some people may not notice any symptoms. Symptoms include:
DiagnosisThe doctor will:
Tests may include: Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) � a test that records the heart's activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle 24-Hour Holter Monitoring � wearing a heart monitor that records the heart rhythm for 24-hours Echocardiogram � a test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the size, shape, and motion of the heart Chest x-rays � to look for underlying conditions Blood Tests � to look for underlying conditions TreatmentThe goals of treatment are to:
If an underlying cause of atrial fibrillation is found, it may be treated. Some patients return to a normal rhythm without treatment. Treatments include: MedicationDrugs to slow and regulate heart rate such as:
Drugs to prevent clot formation, called anticoagulants or blood thinners, such as:
CardioversionCardioversion is a procedure that uses an electrical current or drugs to help normalize the heart rhythm. If atrial fibrillation has lasted 48 hours or more, you may be given blood thinners before this procedure. Lifestyle ChangesAvoid caffeine and other stimulants, because they may trigger another episode. Alcohol may also act as a trigger in some people. PreventionIf you have risk factors for atrial fibrillation, avoid known triggers, such as alcohol and caffeine. Follow your doctor's advice for controlling heart disease, high blood pressure, and other conditions. RESOURCES:American Heart Association Atrial Fibrillation Foundation REFERENCES:AHA Medical/Scientific Statement: Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation. American Heart Association, 1996. Dambro MR. Griffith's 5-Minute Clinical Consult, 2001 ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2001. Duthie EH Jr and Katz PR. Practice of Geriatrics, 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company; 1998. Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2000. Rakel RE and Bope ET. Conn's Current Therapy 2001, 53rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company; 2001. Last reviewed September 2005 by Edward R. Rosick, DO, MPH, MS All EBSCO Publishing consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits. |
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