My City Wellness Summer 2022

5 Atrial Fibrillation and the incidence is on the rise. Characterized by an irregular and very rapid heart rhythm, it occurs when the heart’s upper chambers beat out of sync with the lower chambers. Prolonged A- b can lead to blood clots, stroke and heart failure. Some people with A- b exhibit a related problem called atrial utter. A normal heartbeat is set by the sinus node located in the upper right chamber of the heart (right atrium). In regular rhythm, the sinus node sends a signal through the two upper chambers, through the pathway between the upper and lower chambers (AV node) and then to the lower chambers. e signal causes the heart to contract, sending blood throughout the body. In A- b, the signals sent to the upper chambers of the heart are chaotic and as a result the upper chambers shake or quiver. e AV node is then bombarded with an array of confusing signals causing a fast and irregular heartbeat. An A- b heart may register 100-175 beats per minute. ( e normal range is 60-100.) Cause e causes of A- b are numerous, thus adding to its prevalence. It can be caused by coronary artery disease, heart defects, heart attack, high blood pressure, lung disease, heart surgery, sinus node dysfunction, sleep apnea, use of stimulants (ca eine, tobacco, etc.), viral infections, thyroid diseases and physical stress. e most common cause of A- b are problems with heart structure. Risk factors leading to A- b include obesity, overuse of alcohol, age, high blood pressure and family history. Symptoms Common signs and symptoms of A- b are pounding heartbeat, diz ziness, fatigue, chest pain, reduced ability to exercise, shortness of breath and weakness, while some cases are asymptomatic. A- b may be occa sional, persistent or permanent, depending upon cause. Treatment E ective treatment depends upon the cause of the condition. e goal is to control the heart rate, reset the rhythm and prevent blood clots. Med ications can slow the heart rate (beta blockers), maintain a normal rhythm (anti-arrhythmics), while blood thinners can reduce the risk of stroke. At the rst sign of A- b, doctors may look to immediately reset the heartbeat by sending electrical shocks to the heart using paddles or electrodes in a procedure called cardioversion therapy. If all else fails, a doctor may rec ommend surgery known as cardiac ablation, which utilizes heat or cold to create scars in the heart to block chaotic signals. is is typically achieved through the use of a catheter or surgical knife.  Atrial Fibrillation (A- b) is a serious heart condition that a ects more than ve million people in the U.S.

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