Atrial fibrillation

What is Atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) is an irregular heart rate that commonly causes poor blood flow to the body. Atrial fibrillation is not life-threatening, but it is a serious medical condition that sometimes requires emergency treatment.

Problems with the heart rate or heartbeat are called arrhythmias, and atrial fibrillation is the most common form of this condition. It can sometimes be called heart palpitations. This is caused when the two upper chambers of the heart contract at a rapid and irregular rate. 

Symptoms of Atrial fibrillation

Signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation include irregular and fast heartbeat, decreased blood pressure, lack of energy and fatigue, lightheadedness, confusion, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort and becoming tired easily.

Causes of Atrial fibrillation

Some common causes of atrial fibrillation include high blood pressure, heart attacks, abnormal heart valves, heart defects from birth, hyperthyroidism, excessive caffeine consumption, smoking, sick sinus syndrome, mitral valve disease, having had heart surgery in the past, viral infections, stress due to pneumonia, surgery or other illnesses, sleep apnea and chest infections and issues such as pneumonia, lung cancer, emphysema, chest infections, pulmonary embolism and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Risk factors of Atrial fibrillation

Certain factors can increase your chances of getting atrial fibrillations. These include age, family history, having heart disease, having high blood pressure, drinking alcohol, having sleep apnea, having thyroid problems, weight, having blood clots, having abnormalities in the heart structure, having lung diseases, and genetics.

Older people are more likely to get atrial fibrillation. Although younger people do get atrial fibrillation, the risk increases much more once a person turns 40. 

Complications of Atrial fibrillation

If ignored or left untreated, atrial fibrillation can develop certain complications. These include heart failure, stroke causing disruption to brain function, and Alzheimer's disease.

If, along with atrial fibrillations, you experience weakness or numbness in the face or limbs, sudden difficulty in speaking or understanding someone else, severe headaches, sudden dizziness or feeling faint, and vision problems, then you may be having a stroke and require medical attention immediately.

Diagnosis of Atrial fibrillation

A full diagnosis of atrial fibrillation includes tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure any irregularity in the heart rate, Holter monitor to measure the heart rhythms in a person’s daily routine, event recorder to measure rhythm disturbances, an echocardiogram to check for any underlying heart issues, blood tests and electrolyte tests to rule out the possibility of any other issues contributing to the atrial fibrillations, a chest X-ray to check the heart and lungs, and a tilt-table test to measure the heart’s response to the patient’s reflexes.

Treatment of Atrial fibrillation

There are multiple approaches to treating atrial fibrillation, depending on the patient and the severity of their condition. These include homeopathic treatment of atrial fibrillation, acupuncture and acupressure, treatment of atrial fibrillation through conventional or allopathic means, surgical procedures, dietary and herbal treatments, and others.

Homeopathic Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation

Homeopathy restores normal heart rhythm and function. The treatment is constitutional, and focuses on the patient as a person, as well as their pathological condition. Some common homeopathic medicines for atrial fibrillation are Toxo g, Aml ns, Lycop v and Stront c.

Treatment of Atrial fibrillation through Acupuncture and Acupressure

Both acupressure and acupuncture are used to stimulate the energy of the body. When acupressure for atrial fibrillation is used, the person can be either lying down or sitting up. A pressure massage is given for around five to fifteen minutes in specific areas. The pressure point massage will target certain areas and light pressure will be applied with fingers. This will help to reduce the patient’s anxiety, nervousness and fear regarding their condition.

Conventional / Allopathic Treatment of Atrial fibrillation

To treat atrial fibrillation, there are two approaches—treating the cause of the fibrillations and treating the symptoms until the patient’s heart rate and rhythm are reset to normal. The doctor may recommend intravenous or oral medications to help restore normal sinus rhythm. Another method is electrical cardioversion, a procedure that helps to restore normal rhythm using electric currents. After electrical cardioversion, anti-arrhythmic medications often are prescribed to help prevent future episodes of atrial fibrillation. These include medications such as Amiodarone, Dronedarone, Propafenone, Sotalol, Dofetilide and Flecainide.

These treatments aim to control the heart rate, manage the heart rhythm, prevent the formation of blood clots through the use of anticoagulants or antiplatelets, and manage the overall condition of the patient.

Surgical Treatment of Atrial fibrillation

Surgical options for atrial fibrillation are radiofrequency catheter ablation or surgical maze procedure. Radiofrequency catheter ablation uses radiofrequency energy to eliminate the part on your heart causing the atrial fibrillation. Surgical maze procedure involves making small cuts on the heart, causing the formation of scar tissue that interferes with the impulses causing the palpitations in the first place.

Dietary and Herbal Treatment of Atrial fibrillation

Eating foods such as lean meats, salmon, albacore tuna, and walnuts can provide the nutritional support your heart needs. Fruits and vegetables such as artichokes, asparagus, banana, beans, carrots, cauliflower, celery and corn can be very beneficial. It is advised that you use less salt to help lower blood pressure. Avoid drinking alcohol and add potassium-rich foods in your diet such as salmon, cod, avocados, potatoes and citrus juices. Supplements such as fish oil are also known to have antiarrhythmic properties.

Avoid inflammatory foods that contain refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, trans fats (found in fast food and processed snack products) and MSG.

Precautions and Prevention of Atrial fibrillation

There are certain precautions and preventions you can employ to avoid atrial fibrillations or to manage your condition. Avoid foods and drinks that have stimulants, such as coffee and some teas, chocolate, soda, energy drinks, and cigarettes. Be careful when taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can trigger atrial fibrillation, certain medications such as weight loss supplements can cause harm. Regular exercise can help prevent heart problems and maintain your heart rate, so it is very important for you. This should be coupled with a healthy diet and avoiding stressful situations that trigger emotional and psychological stress.

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