Search for any health
topic on HealthMash:
 | ||
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
To pump blood, your heart muscles must contract and relax in a coordinated rhythm. Contraction and relaxation are controlled by electrical signals that travel through your heart muscle.
Read more on www.mayoclinic.com
Also known as af, arrhythmia, irregular heartbeat, fibrillation, atrial, Auricular Fibrillation, Atrial Fibrillations, Auricular Fibrillations
Atrial Fibrillation information from trusted sources:
Atrial Fibrillation - Resources for Patients
Examination of atrial fibrillation from a patient's point of view, with remedies and help finding a doctor. Includes experiences of cured patients. Read more on
www.a-fib.com
Atrial fibrillation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Atrial fibrillation (AF or A-fib) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia ( abnormal heart rhythm) and involves the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart. ... Read more on
en.wikipedia.org
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation describes an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm. The irregular rhythm, or arrhythmia, results from abnormal electrical impulses in the heart. The irregularity can be continuous, or it can come and go. Read more on
www.emedicinehealth.com
Atrial fibrillation definition - Heart Disease and Other ...
Nov 29, 2010 ... Our Atrial fibrillation Main Article provides a comprehensive look at the who, what, ... Read more Atrial Fibrillation related articles » ... Read more on
www.medterms.com
Atrial Fibrillation
detailed explanation of the management of atrial fibrillation, ..... of Patients With Recurrent Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. Disabling symptoms in AF ... Read more on
www.americanheart.org
AF
An arrhythmia is a problem with the speed or rhythm of the heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia. The cause is a disorder in the heart's electrical system. Often, people who have AF may not even feel symptoms. But you may feel Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Atrial fibrillation: Causes - MayoClinic.com
In atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of your heart (atria) experience chaotic ... Blood pressure control and the risk of incident atrial fibrillation. ... Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Atrial fibrillation
Dronedarone is an investigational drug being studied for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. It is closely related to amiodarone. ... Read more on
heartdisease.about.com
Atrial Fibrillation - Diagnosis, Treatment, Guidelines, and Risk ...
Review in-depth clinical information, latest medical news, and guidelines on atrial fibrillation. Manage atrial fibrillation using drug and non-drug ... Read more on
www.medscape.com
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
atrial fibrillation - Cleveland Clinic Heart Center - leader in treatment of afib, including maze procedure and pulmonary vein isolation ablation; ... Read more on
my.clevelandclinic.org
Contents
Complications
Sometimes atrial fibrillation can lead to the following complications: Stroke. In atrial fibrillation, the chaotic rhythm may cause blood to pool in your atria and form clots. If a blood clot forms, it could dislodge from your heart and travel to your brain. There it might block blood flow, causing a stroke. The risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation depends on your age (you have a higher risk as you age) and on whether you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of heart failure or previous stroke, and other factors. Medications such as blood thinners can greatly lower your risk of stroke or damage to other organs caused by blood clots. Heart failure. Atrial fibrillation, especially...
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Diagnosis
If you notice a sudden change in your heartbeat and have chest pain, you should see your GP straight away.
Read more on
www.nhs.uk
Lifestyle and home remedies
You may need to make lifestyle changes that improve the overall health of your heart, especially to prevent or treat conditions such as high blood pressure. Your doctor may suggest that you: Eat heart-healthy foods; Reduce your salt intake, which can help lower blood pressure; Increase your physical activity; Quit smoking
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Preparing for your appointment
If you think you may have atrial fibrillation, it is urgent that you make an appointment with your family doctor. If atrial fibrillation is found early, your treatment may be easier and more effective. Eventually, however, you may be referred to a heart specialist (cardiologist).
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Prevention
There are some things you can do to try to prevent recurrent spells of atrial fibrillation. You may need to reduce or eliminate caffeinated and alcoholic beverages from your diet, because they can sometimes trigger an episode of atrial fibrillation. It's also important to be careful when taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Some, such as cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, contain stimulants that can trigger atrial fibrillation. Also, some OTC medications can have dangerous interactions with anti-arrhythmic medications.
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Risk factors
Risk factors for atrial fibrillation include: Age. The older you are, the greater your risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Heart disease. Anyone with heart disease, including valve problems, history of heart attack and heart surgery, has an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. High blood pressure. Having high blood pressure, especially if it's not well controlled with lifestyle changes or medications, can increase your risk of atrial fibrillation. Other chronic conditions. People with thyroid problems, sleep apnea and other medical problems have an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. Drinking alcohol. For some people, drinking alcohol can trigger an episode of atrial fibrillation....
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Symptoms
A heart in atrial fibrillation doesn't beat efficiently. It may not be able to pump enough blood out to your body with each heartbeat.
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Treatment
The treatment of atrial fibrillation varies from person to person, depending on...
Read more on
www.nhs.uk