Heart problems are all too prevalent in the United States and in fact constitute one of the most pressing public health concerns in the world at large. One of the most common of these is Atrial fibrilation, which affects an estimated nine million people in the US and Europe. It is characterized by an irregular heart rhythm and is sometimes accompanied by an elevated beat rate.
This irregularity is the main symptom of the condition and can lead to a number of problems including tiredness, shortness of breath and dizziness. These symptoms can be exacerbated by an abnormally fast heartbeat (palpitations), which can reach upwards of one-hundred and forty beats per minute. Some people however have no symptoms and remain unaware that they have the condition.
The muscular walls of a normally operating heart contract and relax in an even, rhythmic process (known as systole and diastole). Blood is forced from the heart and out into the body, then drawn in again to repeat the process. In AF, the atria of the heart (its upper chambers) contract too suddenly and rapidly, interfering with the heart's operation and its capacity to provide the body with blood efficiently.
The root cause of the condition is not completely understood, but it involves the heart's electrical impulses. When these impulses fire in an irregular manner, they disrupt the heart's natural pace-making ability. This disruption occurs differently in different patients and explains the discrepancy in how AF can manifest.
Sometimes the condition comes and goes and is very short-term, ceasing within around forty-eight hours. In other cases it can be more persistent, lasting for a week or more. Other instances are yet more persistent, lasting for a year or longer. Sometimes it can be ongoing and call for more significant interventions.
Overall, it is more prevalent in men than women, and in older people than the young (it can certainly affect young people, but this is rare). It is also more likely to be seen in people with existing heart trouble and other conditions such as arterial disease and high blood pressure. Lifestyle can also play a part, with excessive smoking and drinking thought to be triggers for the condition.
Although AF is not normally life-threatening it does increase the risk of stroke. This risk varies from patient to patient and can be calculated by a doctor. Interventions for the condition range from drugs (such as beta-blockers to slow down the heart rate) to pace-maker fitment. Modern interventions mean that many patients can expect a significant improvement in their symptoms, and in their quality of life.
This irregularity is the main symptom of the condition and can lead to a number of problems including tiredness, shortness of breath and dizziness. These symptoms can be exacerbated by an abnormally fast heartbeat (palpitations), which can reach upwards of one-hundred and forty beats per minute. Some people however have no symptoms and remain unaware that they have the condition.
The muscular walls of a normally operating heart contract and relax in an even, rhythmic process (known as systole and diastole). Blood is forced from the heart and out into the body, then drawn in again to repeat the process. In AF, the atria of the heart (its upper chambers) contract too suddenly and rapidly, interfering with the heart's operation and its capacity to provide the body with blood efficiently.
The root cause of the condition is not completely understood, but it involves the heart's electrical impulses. When these impulses fire in an irregular manner, they disrupt the heart's natural pace-making ability. This disruption occurs differently in different patients and explains the discrepancy in how AF can manifest.
Sometimes the condition comes and goes and is very short-term, ceasing within around forty-eight hours. In other cases it can be more persistent, lasting for a week or more. Other instances are yet more persistent, lasting for a year or longer. Sometimes it can be ongoing and call for more significant interventions.
Overall, it is more prevalent in men than women, and in older people than the young (it can certainly affect young people, but this is rare). It is also more likely to be seen in people with existing heart trouble and other conditions such as arterial disease and high blood pressure. Lifestyle can also play a part, with excessive smoking and drinking thought to be triggers for the condition.
Although AF is not normally life-threatening it does increase the risk of stroke. This risk varies from patient to patient and can be calculated by a doctor. Interventions for the condition range from drugs (such as beta-blockers to slow down the heart rate) to pace-maker fitment. Modern interventions mean that many patients can expect a significant improvement in their symptoms, and in their quality of life.
About the Author:
Neil P. Hines is passionate about providing intelligent, unbiased and highly relevant medical information for people dealing with a wide range of medical conditions, including cardiovascular diseases. If you are interested in learning more about How to Live with A-fib he recommends that you visit his friends at St. Mary's Heart and Vascular Center.
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