Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, and it currently affects 2.2 million Americans, according to the American Heart Association. The irregular, rapid heart rate associated with atrial fibrillation causes poor blood flow to the body, resulting in symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath and weakness.
The Mayo Clinic states that although atrial fibrillation usually isn't life-threatening, it is a medical emergency and can lead to serious complications. Treatment options typically consist of medications or medical interventions to alter and readjust the heart's electrical system.
Causes
Atrial fibrillation occurs when rapid, disorganized electrical signals cause the atria, the heart's two small upper chambers, to quiver instead of beat, or contract effectively. The atrias quiver fast and irregularly, resulting in a decrease of blood moved out of the heart into circulation.
Risk Factors
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute states atrial fibrillation is more common in people who have known heart disease, such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, rheumatic heart disease, valvular disorders and congenital heart defects. Other risk factors include hyperthyroidism, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and lung disease. Additionally, evidence has shown consumption of caffeine, large quantities of alcohol or psychological stress can increase a person's risk for atrial fibrillation, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
Symptoms
The body receives a reduced amount of blood supply when atrial fibrillation occurs, causing a person to experience a range of symptoms that may include palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness, chest pain, dizziness, confusion and fatigue.
Complications
In atrial fibrillation, the chaotic rhythm causes blood to remain stagnant within the atrial chambers, increasing a person's susceptibility for blood clots to form there. The American Heart Association states that if a piece of a blood clot leaves the atria and becomes lodged within an artery of the brain, stroke will result. Approximately 15 percent of strokes occur in people with atrial fibrillation, according to the American Heart Association.
Atrial fibrillation may also weaken the heart, especially if it is not controlled by medication or other interventions. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a weakened heart can lead to heart failure, which is a condition where the heart cannot circulate enough blood to meet the body's needs.
Diagnosis
To properly diagnose atrial fibrillation, a doctor may order one or more of the following tests: electrocardiogram, holter monitor, echocardiogram, stress test, blood tests and chest x-ray.
Treatment
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute explains that the treatment plan for atrial fibrillation depends on how severe or frequent a person's symptoms are and whether they already have heart disease. However, general treatment options usually consist of medications or medical interventions to alter and readjust the heart's electrical system.
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