What triggers atrial fibrillation. 7 Common Triggers of Atrial Fibrillation and How to Manage Them
What triggers atrial fibrillation? Discover the 7 common Afib triggers, including poor sleep, alcohol, caffeine, excessive exercise, dehydration, stress, and large meals. Get expert insights on managing these triggers to maintain a healthy heart rhythm.
Understanding the Triggers of Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is one of the most common heart rhythm disorders, affecting millions of people worldwide. While some individuals with Afib experience no symptoms at all, others may struggle with a fluttering or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Afib can also increase the risk of stroke if left untreated.
According to University of Michigan Health electrophysiologist Michael Ghannam, M.D., Afib can be triggered by a variety of factors, including poor sleep, alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, excessive exercise, dehydration, stress, and large meals. Understanding these common triggers is crucial for effectively managing and preventing Afib episodes.
7 Common Afib Triggers
1. Sleep Issues
Poor quality sleep, often caused by a condition known as sleep apnea, can result in episodes of atrial fibrillation. Even small interruptions in an individual’s sleep quality and duration can increase the risk of Afib by as much as 18%, and those who experience insomnia are up to 40% more likely to develop Afib. Ghannam recommends that patients with sleep-related issues see a sleep specialist for a formal evaluation and treatment, as addressing the underlying sleep problem can help manage Afib.
2. Alcohol
Consuming alcohol, especially binge drinking, can weaken the heart muscle, making it more difficult to pump blood to the rest of the body. This, in turn, makes the heart more susceptible to episodes of Afib. Alcohol consumption can also result in dehydration, another common trigger for Afib.
3. Caffeine
As a powerful stimulant, caffeine has been identified as an Afib trigger for some individuals. However, several clinical studies indicate that caffeine has no, or minimal, impact on those with Afib. Ghannam says, “For most patients, a small amount of caffeine is not going to trigger an episode of atrial fibrillation.”
4. Excessive Exercise
Working out makes the heart beat faster, so for some Afib patients, a quick burst of exercise can trigger an episode. Overall, Ghannam says, Afib events are more likely to happen during extreme levels of exercise or when the individual is dehydrated.
5. Dehydration
Whether from consuming excess caffeine or alcohol or a lack of water, dehydration is a very common trigger for atrial fibrillation. Caffeine and alcohol are powerful diuretics, which means if a person doesn’t drink enough supplemental water, they can become dehydrated, leading to episodes of Afib.
6. Stress
Any type of stress can cause episodes of atrial fibrillation. Periods of stress can result in the release of stress-related hormones that can trigger Afib. Furthermore, individuals under stress may tend to have sleep issues, consume more caffeine, or drink more alcohol – habits that can collectively lead to an Afib event.
7. Large Meals
For some individuals, consuming a large meal can cause gastrointestinal problems. These, in turn, can stimulate the vagus nerve, which connects the gut, brain, and heart. A spike in the vagus nerve from eating a large meal can spark an Afib event. Research shows that when gastrointestinal issues resolve, Afib episodes typically subside.
Managing Afib Triggers
Avoiding Afib triggers is key to maintaining a healthy heart rhythm. Ghannam recommends that patients be vigilant about their symptoms and keep a symptom log to help identify their personal Afib triggers. Wearable technology can also be useful in monitoring triggers with more accuracy, as patients may forget exactly what caused a recent heart rhythm issue.
Regardless of the specific triggers, Ghannam’s advice to patients is consistent: “Adhere to a heart-healthy lifestyle, including limited alcohol, no smoking, a healthy diet, and regular exercise. If we can identify a patient with Afib, we can do what it takes to help keep them in the right heart rhythm and manage their condition.”
Seeking Professional Guidance
If you’re experiencing symptoms of atrial fibrillation or are concerned about your heart health, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an electrophysiologist like Ghannam. They can help identify your personal Afib triggers, develop a customized treatment plan, and provide guidance on lifestyle changes to improve your overall cardiovascular well-being.
Conclusion
Atrial fibrillation is a complex condition with a variety of potential triggers. By understanding the common Afib triggers, such as poor sleep, alcohol, caffeine, excessive exercise, dehydration, stress, and large meals, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their condition and maintain a healthy heart rhythm. With the right guidance and lifestyle interventions, those with Afib can enjoy a better quality of life and reduced risk of complications.
7 common Afib triggers that may surprise you
Everyone knows the benefits of a good night’s sleep — and the downfalls of not getting enough.
But did you know that poor sleep quality is one of the many triggers of a heart rhythm condition known as atrial fibrillation?
According to University of Michigan Health electrophysiologist Michael Ghannam, M.D., many of his patients aren’t aware of the connection between atrial fibrillation and poor sleep, often caused by conditions such as sleep apnea.
Atrial fibrillation, or Afib, is one of the most common types of heart rhythm conditions. During Afib, the top chambers of the heart beat in an irregular rhythm, out of sync with the heart’s lower chambers. While some individuals experience no symptoms at all, others my experience a fluttering or pounding heartbeat along with chest pain, weakness, fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath. Afib can also lead to stroke.
Afib has a variety of causes, including:
7 common Afib triggers
“But poor sleep is just one of many triggers for Afib,” said Ghannam, noting alcohol, excessive exercise, dehydration, stress and consuming large meals as some of the more common ones.
“It just depends on the individual and his or her experience.”
1. Sleep issues
Poor quality sleep, often caused by a condition known as sleep apnea, can result episodes of atrial fibrillation. Even small interruptions in an individual’s sleep quality and duration can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation by as much as 18%, and those who experience insomnia are up to 40% more likely to develop Afib.
“I recommend my patients see a sleep specialist for a formal evaluation to determine if they need a sleep study,” said Ghannam. “If they’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, they are highly encouraged to get it treated.”
2. Alcohol
Consuming alcohol, especially binge drinking, can weaken the heart muscle, making it more difficult to pump blood to the rest of the body. This, in turn, makes the heart more susceptible to episodes of Afib. Alcohol consumption can also result in dehydration, another common trigger for Afib.
3.
Caffeine
As a powerful stimulant, caffeine has been identified as an Afib trigger for some individuals. However, several clinical studies indicate caffeine has no, or minimal, impact on those with Afib.
“For most patients, a small amount of caffeine is not going to trigger an episode of atrial fibrillation,” said Ghannam.
4. Excessive exercise
Working out makes the heart beat faster, so for some Afib patients, a quick burst of exercise is capable of triggering an episode. Overall, says Ghannam, Afib events are likely to happen during extreme levels of exercise or exercising when you’re dehydrated.
5. Dehydration
Whether from consuming excess caffeine or alcohol or a lack of water, dehydration is a very common trigger for atrial fibrillation. Caffeine and alcohol are powerful diuretics, which means if a person doesn’t drink enough supplemental water, they can become dehydrated, which can lead to episodes of atrial fibrillation.
6. Stress
Any type of stress can cause episodes of atrial fibrillation. Periods of stress can result in the release of stress-related hormones that can trigger Afib. Furthermore, individuals under stress may tend to have sleep issues, consume more caffeine or drink more alcohol – habits that together can lead to an Afib event.
7. Large meals
For some individuals, consuming a large meal can cause gastrointestinal problems. These, in turn, can stimulate the vagus nerve, which connects the gut, brain and heart. A spike in the vagus nerve from eating a large meal can spark an Afib event. Research shows that when gastrointestinal issues resolve, Afib episodes typically subside.
No matter what triggers the condition, treatment for atrial fibrillation depends on a patient’s preference, says Ghannam.
“We always encourage lifestyle changes, and there are medications to control the heart rhythm or ablation procedures that use radiofrequency energy to stop the ‘short circuits’ that are triggering Afib.
We discuss all options with our patients.
“If we can identify a patient with Afib, we can do what it takes to help keep them in the right heart rhythm. We can manage their condition.”
Avoiding Afib triggers
Because Afib triggers are so nuanced, Ghannam recommends his patients be vigilant about their symptoms.
“We tell our patient’s that it’s up to them to identify what triggers their atrial fibrillation. We encourage them to keep a symptom log to help them keep track.” There’s also wearable technology that helps monitor triggers with more accuracy as patients may forget exactly what caused a recent heart rhythm issue, he says.
Despite the many things that might lead to an Afib episode, Ghannam’s advice to patients is consistent: “Adhere to a heart healthy lifestyle, including limited alcohol, no smoking, a healthy diet and well-controlled blood pressure, diabetes and weight management.”
And, of course, get good sleep to protect your heart not only from Afib but from other cardiovascular issues associated with poor sleep hygiene.
Overall, Ghannam says, sleep quality is important, along with a heart healthy lifestyle, which can’t be overestimated. “It’s all wrapped together.”
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Atrial Fibrillation (Afib)
Cardiovascular: Preventive Cardiology
Cardiovascular: Diseases & Conditions
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Causes, Risk factors and Triggers
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
- What Can Raise Your Risk for AFib?
- How Do Various Risk Factors Lead to AFib?
- What Things Can Trigger AFib?
- Can You Prevent AFib?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common problem with your heartbeat’s rate or rhythm.
The basic cause of AFib is disorganized signals that make your heart’s two upper chambers (the atria) squeeze very fast and out of sync. They contract so quickly that the heart walls quiver, or fibrillate.
Damage to your heart’s electrical system can cause AFib. This damage often results from other conditions that affect the heart. But in at least 1 of every 10 AFib cases, other things may be at play. Sometimes, doctors can’t figure out what’s causing atrial fibrillation.
Even after you’ve been diagnosed with the condition, you may be able to control your AFib and avoid having an episode if you know what triggers them for you.
Things that most often lead to atrial fibrillation Include:
- Age
- Genes
- Heart disease
- Sick sinus syndrome
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, or a blood clot in your lung (pulmonary embolism)
- An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
- Obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome
- Sleep apnea
- Infections caused by a virus
Age: Your odds go up as you get older, especially after you’re 60.
In part, that’s because you’re more likely to get heart disease and other conditions that can cause AFib.
Genes: AFib is a hereditary condition. That means a part of the cause is in the genes you get from your parents at birth. If someone in your close family had or has it, there’s a greater risk for you, too.
Heart disease: AFib is a problem with your heart. So, other heart issues raise your chances of having it, like:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disease
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Heart failure
- Weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
- Heart birth defects
- Inflamed membrane or sac around the heart (pericarditis)
Heart conditions like these raise your chances for AFib because they create physical stress and stretch the tissues in the upper left chamber of the heart, says Ayman Hussein, MD, co-director of the Atrial Fibrillation Center at Cleveland Clinic. The stress and stretching lead to changes in the electrical properties of cells, as well as changes in the structure of the heart, like the upper chamber getting larger and more scarred.
The combination of these things can make you more likely to have AFib.
If you have AFib and another heart condition, get treatment as soon as possible.
Sick sinus syndrome: This isn’t the same as the sinuses in your head. The sinus node is a group of cells that control your heartbeat. Think of it as your heart’s own natural pacemaker. Problems with it that can lead to AFib include:
- Your heart’s electrical signals misfire.
- Your heart rate alternates between fast and slow.
Heart attack: When the artery that supplies blood to the atria is blocked, it can damage atrial tissue and lead to AFib.
But AFib doesn’t generally cause heart attacks, unless the heart rate is fast and puts the heart under stress.
Heart surgery: AFib is the most common complication. It will happen to 2 or 3 out of every 10 people recovering from a heart operation.
High blood pressure: It’s the most common condition linked to AFib.
It can make the atria, or upper chambers of your heart, get bigger, which makes it work harder.
Lung disease: This includes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or a blood clot in your lung (pulmonary embolism). COPD in particular often comes along with high blood pressure, heart disease, ventricle problems, and other problems that play a role in AFib, such as:
- Low blood oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels
- Cigarette smoking
- Cardiac autonomic dysfunction — your autonomic nervous system controls your heartbeat. In lung disease, it can get out of whack.
- Inhaled medications that boost your heart rate
An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism): It speeds up everything in your body, including your heart.
Obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome: Not only are these conditions often linked with hypertension, they may also make it harder for your heart to empty.
And they cause other physical changes that raise your risk of atrial fibrillation.
Sleep apnea: Each time you’re jarred awake by lack of oxygen, it puts a mechanical stress on and causes chemical changes inside your heart. Plus, over time, sleep apnea can lead to conditions like high blood pressure and obesity, which make AFib more likely.
Infections caused by a virus: The resulting inflammation could cause changes to your heart.
Medication: Research suggests that people who take high doses of steroids — perhaps for asthma or other conditions — may be more likely to get AFib. If your chances are higher anyway, this treatment can trigger an episode. So can over-the-counter cold medications with caffeine or other ingredients that rev up your heart rate.
No clear cause: Sometimes doctors can’t find an obvious reason why someone gets AFib. There’s an upside when this happens in people under 65 years old who don’t have health conditions linked to AFib.
Their chances of getting blood clots and strokes are a lot lower, compared to people who are older or who have clear causes for their AFib.
You may notice that certain things cause your AFib symptoms to flare up. Some common triggers are:
- Stimulants: Caffeine, cigarettes, and other things that rev up your system can set off AFib. Caffeine will probably affect you more if you don’t usually drink it.
- Alcohol: For some people, binge drinking is a trigger. But for others, even a modest amount can trigger AFib.
- Stress and worry: When you’re under a lot of pressure or feeling worn out, it could trigger an episode or make your symptoms worse.
- Exercise that raises your heart rate above a certain point (but it’s still important to get exercise)
- Poor sleep
Some AFib risk factors, like age and genetics, are out of your control. But a healthy lifestyle can help guard against AFib and other types of heart disease. Some steps you can take:
- Quit smoking
- Control your blood pressure
- Maintain a healthy weight.
(This also helps protect you from sleep apnea, another cause of AFib.) - Follow a heart-healthy diet, high in plant foods and low in saturated fat
- Get regular exercise. Ask your doctor what types of exercise are right for you and how much you should do each week.
(This also helps protect you from sleep apnea, another cause of AFib.)Top Picks
Atrial fibrillation – symptoms, causes, signs, diagnosis and treatment in “SM-Clinic”
This disease is treated by a Cardiologist
- What is atrial fibrillation?
- Symptoms of atrial fibrillation
- Causes of atrial fibrillation
- Atrial fibrillation diagnostics
- Therapeutic treatment of atrial fibrillation
- Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation
- Doctors
Symptoms of atrial fibrillation
Recognizing the disease on your own can be difficult, since atrial fibrillation is often asymptomatic.
In this case, the pathology is diagnosed by taking an electrocardiogram. In the presence of symptoms, the patient complains of a feeling of “fluttering” or “fading” of the heart, shortness of breath, weakness, suffocation, heaviness and pain in the chest, sometimes a feeling of fear, sweating. In some cases, an arrhythmia attack may be accompanied by a sharp drop in blood pressure, followed by loss of consciousness, and there is a threat of death.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately consult a cardiologist.
Causes of atrial fibrillation
Modern medicine distinguishes two groups of causes of atrial fibrillation: organic and functional. The first group is directly related to cardiovascular pathologies. The second – with violations in the work of other organs and systems.
Organic causes include:
- dysfunction of the coronary arteries;
- arterial hypertension;
- heart disease;
- atherosclerotic heart disease;
- myocarditis;
- ischemic disease;
- heart failure;
- pathology of the sinus node;
- consequences of cardiac surgery.
Most common functional causes:
- deficiency of magnesium and potassium in the body;
- stress;
- abuse of alcohol, caffeine and energy drinks;
- thyroid pathology;
- blood diseases;
- physical or emotional overstrain that exceeds the reserves of the body.
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If you experience these symptoms, we recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor. Timely consultation will prevent negative consequences for your health.
You can find out more about the disease, prices for treatment and sign up for a consultation with a specialist by phone:
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Atrial fibrillation diagnostics
In the medical center “SM-Clinic” the diagnosis of the disease is carried out by highly qualified specialists with many years of experience in cardiology.
The research uses high-precision equipment that meets all the requirements of modern medicine.
The first visit to the clinic begins with the collection of an anamnesis (medical history). For this, the patient is questioned and carefully examined. After establishing a preliminary diagnosis, the patient is sent for additional laboratory and instrumental studies to confirm it.
Diagnostic methods “SM-Clinic”:
- Holter ECG is the main method for detecting arrhythmia. In this study, an electrocardiogram is recorded around the clock, which allows you to determine the factors in which a normal heartbeat can change.
- Echocardiography – ultrasound examination of the heart muscle.
- Stress ECG is a study during which conditions are provoked that cause rhythm disturbance.
- Bicycle ergometry – a study in which additional physical activity is used (the so-called “bicycle”).
- A treadmill test is a study in which the patient needs to record an ECG while walking on a treadmill.
- Tilt test – an examination performed on an orthostatic table, while the data is recorded when the body changes position.
- Stress tests – studies during squats, running and other physical exercises.
- Endocardial ECG is a type of diagnostics in which catheters are brought to the heart to record internal and external data.
- General analysis of blood and urine – laboratory tests that determine the presence of concomitant pathologies (for example, anemia).
Therapeutic treatment of atrial fibrillation
There are two methods of treatment of atrial fibrillation – conservative and surgical.
Conservative therapy is aimed at preventing an attack of arrhythmia or stopping it. For this, doctors select the optimal doses of antiarrhythmic drugs. Beta-blockers, slow calcium channel blockers, or cardiac glycosides may be used to control the normal heart rate.
Anticoagulants are used for arrhythmia accompanied by the formation of blood clots.
In the event that atrial fibrillation is a consequence of another heart disease, therapy is aimed at eliminating not only the symptom, but also at combating the root cause.
It should be remembered that only a qualified cardiologist can choose the right treatment that will bring a positive result.
Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation
If therapeutic treatment is ineffective or if atrial fibrillation is advanced, the patient may require surgery.
Surgical methods for the treatment of arrhythmia, used in the “SM-Clinic”:
- Implantation of an electrocardiostimulator that affects the heart rhythm.
- Implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator that monitors and stops cardiac arrhythmia.
- Cardiac surgery to correct the underlying cause of the arrhythmia (removal of heart defects, aneurysms, valve defects, etc.).
In the multidisciplinary medical holding “SM-Clinic”, highly qualified cardiologists diagnose atrial fibrillation at the earliest stages, thanks to which the treatment of the pathology is carried out as efficiently as possible.
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Atrial fibrillation – Hadassah Medical Moscow
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Distinctive features of the Hadassah Medical Clinic are advanced equipment, a team of highly qualified doctors, convenience and maximum comfort when receiving any medical services. The world’s best clinical techniques guarantee a positive result in the diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation and other cardiovascular pathologies.
Atrial fibrillation (atrial fibrillation) is one of the variants of heart rhythm pathologies, manifested by chaotic atrial contraction.
An irregular heartbeat causes changes in the circulatory system. This ultimately becomes the cause of violations in the work of many organs and systems.
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Why is the treatment of atrial fibrillation at the Hadassah clinic unrivaled in Russia?
A wide range of diagnostic possibilities
For the diagnosis of AF, AF and other diseases of the heart, blood vessels, ECG is performed in various diagnostic protocols: Holter examination, treadmill test with exercise, with a bicycle ergometer. Modern ultrasound machines allow us to examine even the smallest blood clots in the heart and blood vessels. The laboratory and diagnostic department are equipped with unique expert class diagnostic equipment and work in close connection with the departments of the clinic.
Advanced methods of treatment
Treatment of atrial fibrillation and other cardiovascular pathologies is carried out according to international protocols unique for the Russian Federation.
Therapeutic treatments may include effective drugs from Israel, not yet registered in Russia. Experienced surgeons, if necessary, will perform surgical treatment of AF using one of the modern methods – electrical cardioversion, pharmacological cardioversion, catheter radiofrequency ablation.
Multidisciplinary approach to treatment
In our clinic, doctors of different specialties participate and interact in the management of each patient: cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons, internists, neurologists, medical geneticists, etc. Counseling and emergency medical care can be involved famous doctors from Israel.
Individual approach
Therapeutic tactics are developed taking into account the psychological and physiological characteristics of each patient, the characteristics of the course and progression of the disease, the therapy and the response to it. When prescribing treatment, we take into account all the factors that affect the choice of methods and medicines: age, weight, comorbidities, health status, stage and form of the disease.
This allows you to choose the optimal treatment tactics with maximum efficiency.
Rehabilitation and improvement of the quality of life
Returning patients to a physical, mental and social full life is our goal and mission. We not only treat diseases, but also take the necessary measures to eliminate the risk of complications, side effects from medicines. Thanks to a well-thought-out rehabilitation program, full medical support until recovery, our patients return to normal life very soon.
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Atrial fibrillation – what is this condition?
In a healthy person, intense physical activity provokes an increase in heart rate up to 60-90 per minute, and during sleep or rest, their decrease is observed – 40-50 times per minute. This process is a natural adaptation during periods of activity. With its help, sufficient blood flow to the muscles is ensured. In the pathology of the heart rhythm, the increase and decrease in beats is not associated with stress on the body.
What is atrial fibrillation – comparison with a normal rhythm.
Cardiac muscle contracts thanks to a special conduction system of nerve pathways that transmit an electrical impulse-command.
In a healthy person, an impulse occurs in the sinus node of the right atrium, which is why the normal rhythm is called sinus.
It spreads to the right and left atria, commanding the muscles to contract, pushing blood through the mitral and tricuspid valves into the heart’s ventricles.
After that, the impulse-command goes to the atrioventricular node, moving along special nerve fibers – the legs of the bundles of His. Now the ventricles are already contracting, and blood is ejected into the pulmonary artery and aorta.
If this scheme is violated, the impulse along the nerve fibers of the heart muscle moves chaotically and very quickly, causing involuntary random twitches of muscle fibers – this is the so-called atrial and ventricular fibrillation. As a result, the functioning of the organ becomes disorganized: the atria overflow with blood, the ventricles often contract without filling. The dynamics of blood in the bloodstream is disturbed, cardiac output decreases. There are objective prerequisites for the formation of blood clots, more often they occur in the “ear” of the left atrium.
Pulse changes – beats felt under the fingers on the wrist may feel full, or may be slightly distinguishable, “thready”, due to disorganization of heart contractions.
In simple words, atrial fibrillation is a failure in heart contractions.
Characteristic symptoms of atrial fibrillation
Many causes of atrial fibrillation and symptoms are logically tracked: for example, an arrhythmia occurring immediately after surgery, poisoning, taking large doses of alcohol, caffeine, severe stress, hypothermia or extreme loads.
Latent period MA has no noticeable symptoms. When the disease state begins to assert itself, the patient may notice the following changes in his state of health:
- weakness, apathy, feeling of chronic fatigue;
- shortness of breath on slightest exertion;
- sweating, independent of physical activity and air temperature;
- restless sleep, insomnia, anxiety at night;
- feeling of tightness, dull pain in the chest area;
- dizziness, fainting, incoordination, disorientation in space during an attack;
- polyuria;
- sensation of rapid heartbeat, with or without pain.
When the pathology becomes chronic, a person can get used to the periodic manifestations of signs of atrial fibrillation and not pay attention to them. Until serious complications or acute life-threatening attacks occur.
Timely professional diagnostics will allow not only to eliminate unpleasant symptoms, but also save lives with timely medical care.
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Causes of atrial fibrillation
There are a lot of factors that cause failure of the rhythmic contraction of the heart muscle. It can be an independent pathology, or a symptom complex of other diseases that affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system. All factors can be divided into two large groups:
- Cardiological nature – that is, cardiac causes related to the organ itself.
- Extracardiac, or causes affecting due to other pathologies or pathogenic factors.
The group of cardiac factors includes the following causes:
- Congenital and acquired heart defects.
- Myocardial infarction.
- Defects of coronary vessels.
- Tumors.
- Pericarditis.
- Chronic arterial hypertension.
- Postoperative complications.
- Cardiomyopathy
Extracardiac pathology triggers:
- History of cardiac surgery.
- Endocrine disorders. For example, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction.
- Infectious diseases causing complications.
- Hypothermia, hyperthermia.
- Chronic obstruction in the respiratory system. For example, with COPD.
- Intoxications.
- Electric shock.
- Chronic or acute diseases of the stomach, liver, intestines.
- Pathologies of the central nervous system that lead to impaired transmission of impulses.
- HIV.
As a result of the above reasons, not everyone develops complications in the form of atrial fibrillation.
This is caused by the individual predisposition of the body and factors that increase the risk:
- Drug exposure due to improper, unauthorized use of drugs.
- Taking antibiotics.
- Chronic stress, fatigue, nervous strain.
- Emotional lability.
- Large sports or physical activities.
- Harmful addictions – smoking, alcoholism, substance abuse, drug addiction.
- Excessive consumption of foods and drinks with caffeine – coffee, strong tea, energy shakes.
Atrial fibrillation, or AF, is diagnosed in about 2% in total in all age groups of the population, even in children. The condition does not depend on age, although the frequency of occurrence is more associated with age-related pathologies, because after 60 years it manifests itself in 6-10% of people.
Researchers are concerned about the ever-decreasing occurrence of pathology in young people, which results from an unhealthy lifestyle, physical inactivity, bad habits, deterioration of environmental and hereditary factors.
Sometimes the pathology exists latently, without severe symptoms, and is diagnosed by chance, during examination for another reason or routine examination.
Methods for diagnosing atrial fibrillation
Knowing what atrial fibrillation is, we can conclude that the diagnosis is based on the study of function, anatomy, and the presence of pathologies of cardiac structures. The doctor first listens to the organ, performs auscultation, analyzes the nature of the pulse wave. The most informative diagnostic measures for atrial fibrillation are electrocardiography or long-term monitoring of cardiac activity. The second method is preferable, since the ECG during the period outside the attack may not show any pathological signs. All the obtained results of diagnostic measures are evaluated in a comprehensive manner, which allows choosing the optimal tactics for treating the patient, determines the appropriateness of using certain therapeutic methods.
Clinical, biochemical blood and urine tests
to determine the underlying cause of flickering
Thyroid hormone tests
to identify the endocrine factor in the occurrence of heart failure.
Stress ECG or treadmill test
is performed to analyze heart activity in activity. If arrhythmia occurs from exercise, the cardiogram will show this.
Holter monitoring of the heart with ECG recording during the day
the method allows you to identify factors that can cause an attack.
Echocardiography, or ultrasound examination of the heart
examination allows you to clarify the diagnosis and determine the presence of blood clots in the atria.
Bicycle ergometry
ECG examination, during which additional physical activity is used (the so-called “bicycle”)
Ultrasound of internal organs
to identify concomitant pathological processes
EFI, or electrophysiological examination of the heart
is performed using electrical stimulation of different cardiac departments through a special probe inserted into the esophagus, with simultaneous ECG recording.
Treatment methods for atrial fibrillation
Treatment methods depend on the form and manifestation of the pathology.
In case of paroxysm or after it, the following therapy is used:
- Antiarrhythmic drugs: sodium channel blockers, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers.
- Disaggregants, anticoagulants that thin the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots.
- Beta-blockers that correct the heart rate.
In case of frequent attacks of MA, the condition is first stabilized, achieving constancy in the rhythm, and then the treatment of already chronic pathology is prescribed. This allows you to reduce risks and adjust treatment tactics.
If there is no positive dynamics in the treatment, as well as in life-threatening forms of atrial fibrillation, surgical treatment can be performed. The decision on the advisability of surgical treatment is made by the doctor, based on objective indicators of the patient’s condition. The following modern techniques are used:
- Electrical cardioversion. It is carried out with the help of a cardioverter-defibrillator apparatus and special sedatives.
- Pharmacological cardioversion. Less painful procedure. The method is based on the intravenous administration of antiarrhythmic drugs into the bloodstream.
- Catheter radiofrequency ablation. The procedure is relevant for the paroxysmal form of the disease. The essence of the operation is to detect arrhythmogenic zones with their subsequent neutralization using an ablation electrode.
In the chronic form of MA, the doctor prescribes anti-relapse therapy: constant intake of adrenoblockers, digoxin, calcium antagonist drugs, warfarin (after a mandatory coagulogram).
If another pathology is the cause of rhythm disorders, a program of its treatment is prescribed in parallel.
What should I do if I have symptoms of atrial fibrillation?
In case of shortness of breath, pain in the heart area, disorders of consciousness, it is urgent to call an ambulance!
Before the arrival of the doctor, the patient must be provided with a comfortable position at rest and fresh air.
Attention! If the attack is secondary and the person has a doctor-recommended remedy for the attack, take it as directed.
During a primary attack, one should not arbitrarily give a person medication, it can be dangerous in his condition!
Forms, stages of atrial fibrillation in the medical classification
Medical care is provided to the patient taking into account the specifics of the clinical case, so it is important to classify the disorder, identify its stage, degree, comorbidities.
In the modern medical classification, several forms of the pathological condition are distinguished.
According to the mechanism of development, it can be:
- atrial fibrillation with a frequency of 350-700 times per minute, trembling of muscle structures or uneven contractions – the so-called atrial fibrillation;
- Atrial flutter, 200 to 400 beats per minute, with regular or irregular rhythm.
According to the frequency of contractions, heart rate:
- Tachysystole – with the expansion of all atria and ventricles and a frequency of 90-100 beats per minute.
- Bradysystole – with a frequency of beats below 60 per minute.
- Normosystole – with a normal frequency within 60-80 beats per minute.
According to the frequency of seizures:
- Paroxysmal, or periodic. An attack can last up to a week and stop without any intervention or with the help of special medications.
- Persistent, with a long-term persistence of the pathological condition for more than a week. In this case, the use of special therapy is required to normalize the rhythm.
- Permanent, or long-term, with the preservation of the pathological condition for a year or more. Therapeutic efforts to equalize the rhythm may be successful.
- Permanent, or chronic, when the condition has been observed for several years without change and no response to therapy. Efforts to bring the rhythm to the norm are inappropriate, the main goal is to keep the existing one in a stable state.
Forms of the state can pass one into another, combined at the same time.
According to the episodes of existence, atrial fibrillation can be
- Primary, with manifestation for the first time in this patient.
- Secondary, when the attack occurs for the second or any other subsequent time.
According to the severity of the pathological impact on the health and quality of life of the patient:
- No symptoms.
- Unexpressed signs are present, but they do not affect the normal way of life of a person.
- The symptom complex has a pronounced character, a person cannot lead his former normal life.
- Manifestations of the disease are so strong that the person is bedridden and unable to serve himself. To this extent, pathology is characterized by disability.
When diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, the symptoms depend on the form and degree of the pathological process. Each of them is accompanied by its own signs and symptoms, which make up the entire clinical picture to be studied by the doctor.
After studying the symptoms and anamnesis, the patient is assigned a diagnostic program to confirm or correct the diagnosis.
Why is atrial fibrillation dangerous?
The condition associated with cardiac dysfunction carries various complications and a great risk to life. Even mild manifestations of the disease indicate a violation of hemodynamics, which can lead to serious uncorrected consequences. Therefore, treatment and dynamic medical monitoring of the condition are necessary from the moment when the first signs were noticed.
The most common complications of pathology:
- Chronic heart failure.
- Thromboembolism. A thrombus in the pulmonary artery is a common cause of sudden death.
- Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular accident leading to disability or death.
- Cardiac asthma and life-threatening pulmonary edema are common complications of heart failure.
Atrial fibrillation has an unpredictable course.
Its manifestations can suddenly disappear for many years and do not disturb until the impact of strong provoking factors, or they can quickly grow into life-threatening conditions even with unexpressed symptoms.
Attention! With MA, ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest can occur at any time, so make an appointment with a doctor, go through preventive diagnostics!
Prevention and treatment programs for atrial fibrillation in the Hadassah clinic
Knowing what atrial fibrillation is, one should not take lightly the harmful factors that provoke pathology. Prevention of heart disorders will allow you to live a long, fulfilling life and not face disabling and life-threatening consequences.
Primary preventive measures:
- Prevention of varicose veins as an increased risk of thrombosis.
- Adhere to the rules of a healthy lifestyle.
- Healthy eating with a minimum of animal fats, canned foods, smoked meats, sweets; prevention of stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, diabetes, hepatitis.
- Refusal of bad habits – smoking, alcohol, drugs.
- Conscious approach to treatment, implementation of all medical recommendations; inadmissibility of self-treatment, especially with medicines.
- Active lifestyle, feasible sports and physical activities.
- Control of the emotional sphere, avoidance of stress, nervous tension.
- Weight control, weight loss.
- Treatment of diseases that are potentially dangerous in relation to increased thrombus formation, cardiac disorders.
Secondary prevention of complications of AF and AF consists in:
- continuous anti-relapse therapeutic treatment;
- , if necessary, in the surgical treatment of heart defects and arrhythmias;
- strict adherence to the rules of healthy eating and lifestyle;
- complete exclusion of smoking, alcohol;
- control of loads and emotional sphere.
World standards of medical care is the hallmark of the Hadassah Medical Clinic.
We provide emergency care to patients with atrial fibrillation, treat chronic conditions of heart rhythm disorders, and perform disease prevention. Our doctors accept patients with various cardiac pathologies, prescribing a useful amount of diagnostic tests to make an accurate diagnosis.
If symptoms of atrial fibrillation appear, contact the Hadassah clinic in Moscow. A team of international-class doctors performs diagnostics and treatment according to Israeli protocols, which have long confirmed their high efficiency in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and cardiovascular pathology.
References
Mironov N. et al. New advances in the diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation: from experimental studies to everyday clinical practice // Therapeutic archive. – 2019. – T. 91. – No. 6. – S. 11-18.
Shcheglova AA Drug treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation // Youth Science and Modernity. – 2020. – S. 788-790.
Enyutina NA Analysis of drug prescription in patients with atrial fibrillation // Youth Science and Modernity.
– 2020. – S. 738-740.
Filimonova E. A., Saltykova Ya. A., Chernyshova T. S. Features of lifestyle in patients with atrial fibrillation // Bulletin of the Northern State Medical University. – 2020. – no. 1. – S. 283-283.
Saltykova Ya. A., Filimonova E. A., Chernyshova T. S. Clinical characteristics of atrial fibrillation depending on concomitant angina pectoris // Bulletin of the Northern State Medical University. – 2020. – no. 1. – S. 92-92.
Fedorovich AG Influence of atrial fibrillation on the parameters of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems outside and during paroxysm. – 2018.
Khairieva M. F., Gafurov B. G. Features of cognitive impairment in various forms of atrial fibrillation // Pharmacology of different countries. – 2020. – S. 162-163.
#SitdikovaDI
Sitdikova
Diana Ildarovna
Cardiovascular surgeon, endovascular surgeon
Work experience: 7 years
Published: 06/16/2023
90 002 The information provided on the site is for reference only and cannot serve as a basis for diagnosis, treatment.
Internal consultation of the expert is necessary.
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