ATRIAL FIBRILLATION (AF) TREATMENT, SYMPTOMS, AND CAUSES

Atrial Fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder that causes your heart rate to become irregular and usually faster than normal. This abnormal rhythm can lead to dizziness, shortness of breath, and a noticeable fluttering in your chest. If left untreated, AFib can increase the risk of stroke, so diagnosing and treating it promptly and effectively is essential.

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ATRIAL FIBRILLATION (AF)

WHAT IS ATRIAL FIBRILLATION (AF OR AFIB)?

Atrial Fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm characterized by an irregular, rapid pulse, typically above 100 beats per minute. In a healthy heart, steady electrical impulses control the heartbeat and pump blood smoothly to the lungs and the rest of the body. In Atrial Fibrillation, these signals disrupt normal electrical activity, causing the atria (upper heart chambers) to quiver and disturb normal blood flow.

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION SYMPTOMS

Afib is generally a silent heart condition that isn’t diagnosed properly until symptoms appear. However, the following signs are commonly observed in Atrial Fibrillation:

  • A pulse below 60 or above 100 beats per minute.
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Extreme Fatigue
  • Breathlessness
  • Chest discomfort, pressure, or pain
  • Sudden facial drooping (needs urgent assessment)

WHAT CAUSES ATRIAL FIBRILLATION?

In a healthy heart, the atria (upper chambers) and ventricles (lower chambers) contract in a coordinated way to pump blood to the rest of the body. When these chambers relax, the heart refills with blood for the next beat.

In atrial fibrillation, abnormal electrical signals disrupt this normal rhythm. The atria begin to beat rapidly and irregularly, making it harder for the heart to relax and fill properly. This chaotic activity disrupts the heart’s natural pacemaker, leading to an irregular heartbeat.

TYPES AND PATTERNS OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

  • Paroxysmal AFib (PAF)

    Paroxysmal AF is a heart condition in which an irregular heartbeat returns to normal within 7 days without treatment.

  • Persistent (PersAFib)

    The type of AFib that lasts for more than a week and usually requires medical intervention to treat racing, quivering, or skipped beats.

  • Long-Standing Persistent

    Long-term persistent AFib occurs when an abnormal heart rhythm problem lasts for more than a year.

  • Permanent

    An abnormal heart rhythm that continues for a lifetime, and both the patient and physician decide to allow AF to continue without trying to restore sinus rhythm.

  • Nocturnal AF

    Some patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation notice irregular heart rhythm episodes at night. This is referred to as Nocturnal AFib. It is generally caused by obstructive sleep apnoea or increased vagal tone.

HEART TESTS TO DIAGNOSE AF

Dr Francesco Lo Monaco provides advanced diagnostic testing and specialist care for arrhythmias and palpitations. To accurately diagnose atrial fibrillation and guide the right treatment, he may recommend tests such as:

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION RISK FACTORS

There are several triggers or risk factors for AFib. These include:

  • Age above 65 years
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Obesity
  • Heart Valve Disease
  • Kidneys & Lungs related Disease
  • Atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries)
  • Sleep Apnoea
  • Thyroid Disorder

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS?

Untreated and long-term Atrial Fibrillation can lead to serious complications. The irregular heart rhythm can cause blood to collect in the atria, increasing the risk of clot formation. If a clot from the left atrium reaches the brain, it can also cause a stroke. The risk is higher in older adults or those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or valvular heart disease.

HOW DOES DR LO MONACO MANAGE AND TREAT AFIB?

Dr Francesco Lo Monaco takes a holistic, prevention-focused approach to atrial fibrillation. He prioritises lifestyle modifications and prescribes medication when necessary.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle adjustment is the foundation of his AF management. Dr Monaco supports patients in quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, taking a diet low in saturated fats, and engaging in an active lifestyle to reduce AF episodes.

Medicine

Alongside lifestyle optimisation, he manages chronic conditions and may suggest blood thinners and anti-arrhythmic medication if and when necessary.

Stroke Prevention

Dr Lo Monaco pays close attention to reducing the stroke risk, as people with Atrial fibrillation are significantly more likely to develop a stroke than those without AF.

BOOK EXPERT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION TREATMENT IN LONDON

Dr Francesco Lo Monaco specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation, offering expert care for patients experiencing arrhythmias, palpitations, or unexplained heart symptoms.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Monaco to manage your cardiac rhythm and reduce long-term risks.

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FAQs

Atrial fibrillation treatment typically focuses on controlling symptoms, managing cardiac rhythm, implementing lifestyle modifications, and reducing frequent episodes. However, there is still no permanent cure for AF.

Stress and anxiety may not directly cause atrial fibrillation, but they can trigger episodes in people who already have an underlying heart rhythm problem.

A pacemaker may be recommended to patients with Atrial fibrillation who don’t respond to medication. It is not a cure for AFib, but rather a form of management to regulate slow heart rhythms or support treatment when medication doesn’t respond as expected.

Poorly controlled AF can weaken the heart over time and contribute to heart failure, especially if the heart rate remains constantly high.