Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis
Many people are not aware that they suffer from atrial fibrillation (A-fib). A-fib It is possible to spot doctors are listening to the heart using the stethoscope during a physical exam, in addition to other reasons.
A doctor could order several tests to determine the cause of the problem. A-fib or rule out other conditions that may be causing similar signs. The tests may include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). The test is quick and painless. It examines the heart’s electrical activity. These sticky areas (electrodes) will be measured on your chest, and occasionally the legs and arms. The electrodes are connected with wires to a computer which shows the results of the test. An ECG The heart can be a sign that it is running too rapid, too slow, or even not at all. An ECG is the primary test used to determine the presence of atrial fibrillation.
- Tests for blood. They help doctors to rule out thyroid issues or identify other substances in blood that could be the cause of A-fib .
- Holter monitor. This compact, portable ECG It can be put in a pocket, or placed on a belt, or shoulder strap for everyday tasks. It tracks the heart’s activities continuously for up to 24 hours.
- Recorder for events. This device is identical to the Holter monitor, however it records only at specific intervals for a couple of minutes at one time. It’s more worn than an Holter monitor, usually 30 days. It is typically a matter of pressing the button whenever you experience symptoms. Certain devices automatically record your heartbeat the heart rate when an irregular rhythm is observed.
- Echocardiogram. This noninvasive test employs sound waves to create images of the size of your heart structure, motion and structure.
- Test of stress. Also called exercise testing and stress testing, this involves running tests on your heart while on stationary bikes or treadmills.
- Chest Xray. X-ray images help doctors to determine the health of the lungs and the heart.
Treatment
Treatment for atrial fibrillation varies on how long you’ve been suffering for. A-fib The symptoms you experience and the root of the heartbeat issue. The main goals of treatment are to address:
- Reset the heartbeat
- You can control the heart rate.
- Avoid blood clots that could cause strokes.
The treatment for atrial fibrillation may include:
- Medications
- The therapy is to reset your heart’s rhythm (cardioversion)
- Procedures for catheters or surgery
Together with your doctor, you will discuss the most effective treatment options for you. It is important to adhere to the treatment for atrial fibrillation you have chosen. If A-fib If it isn’t properly controlled when it’s not well controlled, it can result in other complications, such as heart failure or strokes. Peoples also wants to know about Chest Pain.
Medications
It is possible to be prescribed medication to slow down the rate at which your heart beats and return it to normal levels. Also, medications can be recommended to avoid blood clots, which can be a risky consequence of A-fib.
Treatments for atrial fibrillation comprise:
- Beta-blockers. These medications can aid in reducing heart rate during rest as well as when you are active.
- calcium channel blockers. These medicines control the heart rate, but they may be avoided by people with heart disease and/or low blood pressure.
- Digoxin. This medication may regulate heart rate during rest but it does not work so much during activities. Many people require additional or alternative medication for beta-blockers.
- Anti-arrhythmic medicines. These drugs are utilized to maintain a normal heart rate, not just to control the rate of heartbeat. Since they can cause more adverse effects than drugs that control heart rate, these drugs tend to be utilized in a smaller amount.
- blood thinners. To reduce the possibility of a stroke or other organ damage caused by blood clots the doctor might prescribe a blood-thinning drug (anticoagulant). The blood thinners are warfarin (Jantoven) and the apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa) as well as Edoxaban (Savaysa) and Rivaroxaban (Xarelto). If you are taking warfarin, you’ll have to undergo regular blood tests to check the effects of the drug.
Therapy for cardioversion
If A-fib the symptoms are a nuisance, or if it’s the first time that is a result of the atrial fibrillation condition, the doctor might try to restore the heart’s rhythm (sinus rhythm) by a procedure known as cardioversion.
Cardioversion can be performed in two methods:
- Electrocardioversion. This method to reset the heart’s rhythm is accomplished by sending electrical impulses into the heart via patches or paddles (electrodes) placed on the chest.
- Cardioversion to drugs. Medications given through an IV or through the mouth are used to restore the heart’s rhythm.
The procedure is typically performed in hospitals as a procedure that is scheduled, however, it can be performed in emergencies. If it’s scheduled or scheduled, it is recommended that warfarin (Jantoven) or a different blood thinner could be administered for a couple of weeks prior to the procedure being carried out to decrease the chance of strokes and blood clots.
After electrical cardioversion (ECV) Anti-arrhythmic medication can be prescribed to stop further episodes of atrial flutter. Even with medication, there is a possibility of another incident of atrial fibrillation.
Catheter or surgery procedures
If A-fib If the patient isn’t improving with medication or other treatments If a patient isn’t improving, a physician may recommend the procedure of cardiac ablation. Sometimes, ablation is the initial treatment for some patients.
Cardiac ablation utilizes the use of heat (radiofrequency energy) or extreme cold (cryoablation) to cause scars on your heart that stop electrical signals that are abnormal and restore a normal heartbeat. A physician inserts the flexible tubing (catheter) through the blood vessel, typically within your groin and then in your heart. There are many catheters that can be utilized. Sensors at the catheter’s tip provide thermal or cold energy.
Infrequently, ablation is carried out using scalpels during open-heart surgery.
There are various types that are used for cardiac ablation. The kind that is used for treating atrial fibrillation varies on the specific symptoms you experience, your general health, and whether you’re undergoing another heart surgery.
Some kinds of ablations that could be employed to treat atrial flutter are:
- Atrioventricular (AV) node ablation. The energy of cold or heat is delivered to the heart tissue in the AV node that will destroy any electrical signals. After AV node ablation, also known as a pacemaker is essential for life.
- Maze treatment. A doctor uses either cold or hot energy or a scalpel to make the pattern that is made up of tissues (the maze) in the upper chambers of the heart. Since scar tissue isn’t able to transmit electric signals to the heart, it interferes with heart signals that trigger atrial fibrillation.
If a scalpel was used to make the maze it is required to open the heart. This is known as the maze surgical procedure. It is the most popular method of atrial fibrillation treatment for patients who require another procedure, like coronary artery bypass surgery, or repairs to the heart valve.
Atrial fibrillation may return after cardiac ablation. If this occurs, a second cardiac ablation or a different treatment could be recommended. Following cardiac ablation, long-term blood thinners could be required to stop strokes from occurring.
If you know someone who has A-fib If you aren’t able to take blood thinners If you are unable to take blood thinners, your doctor may suggest an intervention using a catheter that seals the small sac (appendage) within the left heart chamber which is where the majority of patients A-fib Related clots develop. This process is known as the closure of the left atrial appendage. A closure device is moved through a catheter into the sac. After the device is in position, the catheter will be removed. The device is then left in position. A procedure for closing the left atrial appendage is an option for those already undergoing heart surgery.