Your Trusted Atrial FibrillationTreatment and Prevention Experts In South Dakota
What is Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF), commonly called “AFib,” is an irregular heart rhythm which can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other problems if left untreated. A close relative to AF, called atrial flutter, is diagnosed and treated in a similar way. Atrial fibrillation occurs when the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria, beat chaotically and irregularly and completely out of sync with the lower chambers of the heart, or ventricles.
Types of Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation occurs when the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria, beat chaotically and irregularly and completely out of sync with the lower chambers of the heart, or ventricles. There are different types of AF:
Paroxysmal (occasional)
Symptoms come and go, may last for minutes to hours. These episodes may happen once every few weeks, months or even years.
Persistent
Irregular heartbeat, constantly, for at least 1 week. Medication or electrical cardioversion may be required to restore normal rhythm.
Long-standing Persistent
Constant atrial fibrillation for at least 1 year. Medication or procedures, such as cardioversion or ablation may be required to restore normal rhythm.
Permanent
Normal rhythm cannot be restored, and medications are used to control the heart rate and prevent blood clots from causing stroke.
Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation
Some patients with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms. Other individuals, however, may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Racing, pounding or irregular heartbeat, also known as palpitations
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Weight gain or swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness, fatigue
- Dizziness
- Decreased ability to exercise (walk or run shorter than normal distance)
Causes of Atrial Fibrillation
Along with common health problems listed above, there are several other potential causes for atrial fibrillation:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) or prior heart attack
- Heart valve disease
- Congenital heart disease
- Lung infections or bloodstream infections
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Anemia or low blood count
Risk Factors of Atrial Fibrillation
The most common cause of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasing age. The older we get the more likely we are to develop AF, the most common abnormal heart rhythm in the world. Other risk factors are listed below.
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart problems or open heart surgery
Obesity
Excessive alcohol consumption
Obstructive sleep apnea
Family history of Atrial fibrillation
Excessive caffine, nicotine, or drug use
Abnormal electrolyte levels
Abnormal thyroid function
Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation
Many people with atrial fibrillation remain asymptomatic or may be diagnosed when visiting a medical professional for a routine appointment. The diagnosis of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter is made by a physician who asks you questions about your medical history, symptoms, and performs a physical examination. An electrocardiogram (EKG) confirms the diagnosis, but other testing is required to determine the cause. Testing may include one or more of the following:
- Blood testing
- Wearable heart rhythm monitor (Holter monitor, Event recorder)
- Implantable loop recorder (ILR)
- Echocardiogram
- Exercise or chemical stress test
- X-Ray
- Cardiac MRI
- Cardiac CT
Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Depending on age and symptoms, the goal is to treat potential reversible causes, restore a normal heart rhythm, and prevent blood clots (stroke). Treatment of atrial fibrillation may include medicine, blood thinners, a procedure to reset the heart called cardioversion, or other minimally invasive procedures.
Minimally invasive procedures can also help treat atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Please talk with your cardiologist about atrial fibrillation ablation. By using heat (radiofrequency ablation) or extreme cold (cryoablation), a cardiac electrophysiologist can find and treat the site of atrial fibrillation to prevent it from occurring.
The most common medications used to prevent stroke include apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), edoxaban (Savaysa), and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
Other commonly used medications for atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter include, beta blockers such as metoprolol or carvedilol (control heart rate), calcium channel blockers such as verapamil or diltiazem (control heart rate), Digoxin (rarely used outside of the hospital), and antiarrhythmic medications such as dofetilide (Tikosyn), flecainide (Tambacor), and amiodarone (Cordarone) may be used to control the heart rhythm.
Experienced Care for Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms in the Black Hills
If you are having symptoms concerning for a heart rhythm abnormality such as atrial fibrillation, please call Black Hills Heart and Vascular to schedule an appointment.
