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Atrial Fibrillation
Abnormal Heart Rhythm
The atria are the two smaller upper chambers of the heart that pump blood into the ventricles (the two larger lower chambers of the heart) after they receive an electrical signal. The ventricles, in turn, receive an electrical signal to pump blood out of the heart into the lungs and the rest of the body's circulatory system. When the electrical impulses that control the atria or ventricles become irregular, the result is an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm. If the heart rhythm is abnormal, the pumping action of the heart will not work correctly. The most common of all abnormal heart rhythms is atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation occurs when the atria contract rapidly and in a haphazard way due to a problem with the electrical signals they receive. This fast and disorganized contraction is called fibrillation. When the atria fibrillate, they are not able to effectively pump blood to the ventricles. Some of the blood in the atria does not flow out into the ventricles, and this residual blood can cause blood clots, which can lead to a stroke. The ventricles, which normally pump the blood into the circulatory system with each strong, regular contraction or heartbeat, pump the blood they receive from the fibrillatmg atria in an irregular way.Although some people with atrial fibrillation do not notice any symptoms, many patients with this arrhythmia suffer from chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations. A blood clot leading to a stroke, a heart attack, or heart failure can be the result of prolonged, untreated atrial fibrillation.
The goal of treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation is to slow the heart down in order to avoid symptoms and prevent complications, and attempt to change the heart rhythm back to a normal rhythm, either through medications or cardioversion (an electric shock to the heart).
Irregular Electrical Impulses Cause Atrial Fibrillation
More than 2 million Americans suffer from atrial fibrillation, making it the most common of all heart arrhythmias. Although many people with atrial fibrillation are unaware of their arrhythmia until it is discovered during a routine visit to the doctor, most people have occasional or persistent symptoms of palpitations or skipped beats, chest pain, or shortness of breath.Risk Factors and Diagnosis
People over age 60 are at a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Conditions such as an overactive thyroid gland, untreated high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or heart valve damage can all increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. Even some medications and alcohol can cause heart arrhythmias.The diagnosis of atrial fibrillarion is made using a variety of tests, including an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), an echocardiogram, or a monitor worn throughout the day (and sometimes the night) to record heartbeats and relate them to symptoms.