HEALTH GUIDE INDEX / A / ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

BASIC INFORMATION

DESCRIPTION

A completely irregular heartbeat rhythm. Fibrillation means a quivering of heart-muscle fibers. Involved are the heart muscles; the atrium (also called auricle), a chamber of the heart that connects to the left ventricle (main chamber); and the heart's electrical conduction system.

FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  • No symptoms (sometimes).
  • Continuously irregular heartbeat, in which no 2 beats are of equal strength or duration.
  • Weakness, dizziness or faintness (sometimes).

    • CAUSES

  • Rheumatic heart disease caused by rheumatic fever.
  • Atherosclerosis of coronary arteries, with or without a previous heart attack.
  • Hyperthyroidism.
  • Congestive heart failure.

    • RISK INCREASES WITH

  • Stress.
  • Heart valve disease; recent heart surgery.
  • Electrolyte disturbances, especially low potassium.
  • Pulmonary embolism.
  • Excessive use of some drugs, such as thyroid hormones, caffeine and others.
  • Smoking.
  • Excess alcohol consumption.
  • Obesity.

    • PREVENTIVE MEASURES

  • Don't smoke.
  • Follow suggestions under Diet. Children and young adults of parents with this condition may benefit from a low-fat diet.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Reduce stress to a manageable level when possible.
  • If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, adhere strictly to your treatment program.

    • EXPECTED OUTCOMES

  • A normal heartbeat rhythm can be restored with electrocardioversion in about 50% of patients. In the other 50%, some symptoms can be controlled with medication.
  • Those whose rhythm is restored to normal have a longer life expectancy, greater strength and more energy than those who have continuing atrial fibrillation.

    • POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

  • Acute pulmonary edema.
  • Arterial thrombosis or embolus.
  • Congestive heart failure.
  • Other heartbeat irregularities that could trigger cardiac arrest.

    • TREATMENT

    GENERAL MEASURES

  • Diagnostic tests include ECG (electrocardiogram that measures electrical activity of the heart) and blood studies to measure levels of drugs used in treatment.
  • Hospitalization (sometimes).
  • Electric shock (electrocardioversion), which may restore normal rhythm.
  • Have family members and friends learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case you have cardiac arrest.
  • Don't smoke, use mind-altering drugs or drink more than 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks, if any, a day.
  • Learn to check your own pulse for rate (beats per minute), rhythm (regular or irregular) and strength. Call the doctor if these change.
  • Minimize stress.
  • Avoid non-prescription decongestants.
  • Additional information available from the American Heart Association, local branch listed in telephone directory, or call (800) 242-8721.

    • MEDICATIONS

  • Heart medications, such as digitalis, quinidine, calcium- channel blockers or beta-adrenergic blockers to regulate the heartbeat.
  • Anticoagulants to prevent blood clot.

    • ACTIVITY

  • Resume your normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.
  • A regular exercise program is recommended.

    • DIET

  • Lose weight if you are obese, but don't use appetite suppressants. These may worsen rhythm disturbances.
  • The underlying heart condition may require a low-salt or low-fat diet and potassium supplements.

    • NOTIFY YOUR PHYSICIAN IF

    • You or a family member has symptoms of atrial fibrillation.
    • The following occur during treatment:
      • Change in heart rate, rhythm or strength.
      • Chest pain, sweating and weakness.
      • Shortness of breath and swollen feet and ankles.
      • Pain in the calf of the leg while walking.
    • New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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