What happens during atrial fibrillation?
AFib occurs when rapid disorganized electrical signals cause the two upper chambers (the atria) of the heart to contract very fast and irregularly, also known as fibrillating. This causes blood to pool in the atria, instead of being pumped completely into the ventricles, the heart’s two lower chambers.
What is the principal maintaining mechanism responsible for a fib?
The mechanism maintaining AF is often called the driver. The irregular atrial discharge typical of AF may result from an irregular atrial response to a rapidly discharging regularly firing driver resulting from either local ectopic firing (Figure 1A) or a single localized reentry circuit (Figure 1B).
What 2 mechanisms are widely believed to play a role in the development of atrial fibrillation?
Alterations in Ca2+ handling in the atria can contribute to both development and worsening of AF. Numerous studies have shown the connection between altered calcium handling and delayed afterdepolarizations, which contribute to formation of ectopic foci and AF initiation.
When does atrial fibrillation occur?
Atrial fibrillation (A-fib or AF) is the most common type of sustained cardiac arrhythmia. It occurs when there are too many electrical signals that normally control the heartbeat, causing the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) to beat extremely rapidly (more than 400 beats per minute) and quiver (fibrillate).
What is the safest drug for AFib?
Blood thinners (Aspirin and Heparin) can thin the blood and lower the risk of serious complications. Heart rate controlling medicines, such as beta-blockers that include Coreg (Carvedilol) and Lopressor and Toprol (Metoprolol), is the best way to treat AFib.
How do they treat AFIB?
Standard treatment options for AFib include medications, cardioversion, and implantable devices or surgery to control heart rate, rhythm, and decrease the risk of blood clot formation.
How can AFIB be treated?
Treatments for A-fib involve a variety of surgical procedures or medications to restore your heartbeat to its normal rhythm and blood-thinners to prevent blood clots from forming. More natural treatments may include dietary supplements, exercise, and more.
How does stress affect AFIB?
Studies show that stress and anxiety can worsen symptoms of AFib, but more research is needed to find out if people with anxiety and depression are at greater risk for developing it. Research also shows that people with AFib are more likely to get depression or anxiety because the condition affects your quality of life.
What is the life expectancy of patients with atrial fibrillation?
The life expectancy with atrial fibrillation accounts for 6-24% of all ischemic strokes. In case of patients having atrial fibrillation, 3-11% of them have structurally normal hearts. The incidence of atrial fibrillation will increase with age. The prevalence of individuals over the age of 80 is around 8%.