Causes of atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation consequences What is atrial fibrillation signs

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common ailments of our time. In Russia alone, according to various estimates, up to three million people suffer from it. In the coming years, the number of patients will slowly but surely increase due to the aging of the population.

Atrial fibrillation(international name - atrial fibrillation) is not, as many people think, an independent disease. As a rule, this disease most often develops against the background of other cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension. angina pectoris. heart defects.

Atrial fibrillation can occur with increased thyroid function or appear after a good feast at the holiday table, and after some time disappear without a trace. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation increases with age: after 50 years, it occurs in almost every 5 people.

Forms of atrial fibrillation:

– Paroxysmal (an attack lasts from 1 minute to a week);

– Sustained (more than 7 days);

– Constant, when atrial fibrillation persists for years.

Why is this form of arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by uncoordinated electrical activity of the atria with a subsequent deterioration in the contractile function of the heart. Normally, 4 chambers of the heart (2 atria and 2 ventricles) contract harmoniously one after another, but with atrial fibrillation they begin to contract chaotically, as if “flickering” (hence the name), which leads to uneven and insufficient blood supply to all organs.

Danger from atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is not a life-threatening disease. At the same time, atrial fibrillation always aggravates the course of cardiovascular disease. against which it arose, and worsens his prognosis. In addition, it significantly increases the risk of death from stroke due to blood clots forming in the heart, breaking off and spreading to other vessels.

With atrial fibrillation, the heart can contract at different rates, from very frequent contractions (200 beats per minute) to rare ones (less than 60 beats per minute). The higher the heart rate, the worse the prognosis.

Treatment methods in modern medicine

Treatment of atrial fibrillation is aimed at 3 main goals:

Firstly. rhythm frequency control - it must be kept at 60 beats per minute. For this, beta-blockers are prescribed ( concor, betalok), calcium antagonists ( norvasc, amlodipine), digitalis preparations ( digoxy n), some antiarrhythmics ( amiodarone). Which drug is needed for a particular patient is decided by the doctor, taking into account many factors and concomitant conditions and diseases.

Secondly. To prevent the formation of blood clots, constant (lifelong) use of antiplatelet agents, that is, blood thinning drugs, such as aspirin or warfarin .

Thirdly (if necessary), the issue of restoring sinus rhythm and then maintaining it is resolved. Currently, there is a new method of restoring sinus rhythm, which is called catheter ablation. This is a cardiac surgical intervention method in which groups of heart cells are destroyed (using ultra-high frequency current). The method is used when drug treatment is ineffective.

It is necessary to strive to restore sinus rhythm only in cases of first-time or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. And then only in cases where a high rhythm frequency is accompanied by clinical manifestations that worsen the patient’s life or when there is a threat of complications. In other cases, it is enough to maintain the rhythm frequency (about 60 beats per minute) with daily medication.

If all this does not help, then it is necessary to resort to implantation of a permanent artificial pacemaker (pacemaker) with a given contraction frequency.

Treatment of atrial fibrillation with folk remedies, herbal medicine

Traditional recipes can and should be used, but only as an aid, which in no way should replace the treatment prescribed by a doctor.

The following infusion is very useful: mix 2 tbsp. spoons of rose hips, hawthorn and motherwort herbs. Pour the mixture into a thermos, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave overnight, then strain and take 150 ml 3 times a day 10 minutes before meals. Prepare a fresh infusion every day in the evening.

Grind and mix equal parts of rosemary, mint, St. John's wort and valerian root. 1 tbsp. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over a spoonful of the mixture and hold for 15-20 minutes in a water bath, without bringing to a boil. Then let it brew for 2 hours, strain and take 50 ml four times a day, regardless of meals.

Pour 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dry or fresh viburnum berries with 1 cup of boiling water, keep on low heat for 5 minutes, strain and drink 1/2 cup in the morning on an empty stomach and in the evening before bed.

1 tbsp. pour a spoonful of rose hips (without seeds) with 2 cups of boiling water, cook for 10 minutes, strain. Add 1 tbsp to the chilled broth. a spoonful of natural honey and drink 0.5 cups 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

Pour 1 teaspoon of crushed valerian root into 100 ml of water, put on fire, bring to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes. After this, leave for 15-20 minutes, filter and take 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day before meals.

1 tbsp. pour 300 ml of boiling water over a spoonful of calendula flowers, leave for 1 hour in a warm place, strain and drink 0.5 cups 3 times a day before meals.

Prevention of atrial fibrillation

Well, in conclusion, a few words about prevention. Prevention of atrial fibrillation means following the basics of a healthy lifestyle. Diet with limited fat and increased content of fish and seafood, vegetables, fruits, vegetable oils. Active motor mode, walk in the fresh air every day, physical exercise. Maintaining a normal weight throughout life, eliminating bad habits (alcohol and smoking). These well-known measures will help maintain normal heart function for many years and prevent the development of atrial fibrillation.

What is atrial fibrillation?

The medical secrets that the human heart as an organ hides within itself have not yet been fully revealed by any scientist. That is why cardiac pathology is becoming the most common all over the world. It is also the leading cause of death. Among many heart diseases, arrhythmia plays a special role. Modern medicine has managed to achieve a lot of useful things in this direction and understand what atrial fibrillation is.

Why and how a healthy heart contracts: the physiological basis of maintaining heart rate

It is impossible to consider the problems associated with atrial fibrillation without familiarizing yourself with the basics of the constancy of cardiac activity. Its basic basis is the heart’s tendency to automatism and absolute self-regulation. This means that it can contract on its own without any influence. The main condition for this is the presence of vessels that receive blood from the heart and bring it to it. It should never be empty. Otherwise, it will stop. The other side of the coin is the excessive overflow of certain parts of the heart with blood. This leads to the fact that it overstretches, gradually losing the ability to contract. This mechanism of cardiac contractility is called isometric.

Another important aspect of the automatic contraction of the heart lies in cells that have the ability to generate spontaneous but ordered nerve impulses. These structures are called the conduction system of the heart. They are represented by clusters of modified nerve cells in the form of nodes and nerve bundles extending from them. It is here that impulses arise, which subsequently cause myocardial contraction with the same frequency. The strongest of them is the sinoatrial node. It creates such excitations that under normal conditions inhibit any similar processes in other structures of the conduction system. Because of this, he is called the main pacemaker. It is on these principles that a heart pacemaker is installed for atrial fibrillation.

Regulation of the activity of this system is carried out with the participation of neurohumoral factors. The first are possible thanks to sympathetic innervation, which increases the frequency of heart contractions, and parasympathetic innervation, which reduces them. Humoral influences are carried out by adrenaline, norepinephrine, hormones of the thyroid gland and adrenal cortex. Additional elements of regulation are the concentration of important electrolytes in the blood plasma (potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium.) These data are very important in the diagnosis and choice of treatment for atrial fibrillation.

Borders of normality and pathology: definition of atrial fibrillation

It is possible to give a clear concept of what atrial fibrillation is in one sentence only after preliminary justification. The basis of atrial fibrillation is an increase in the frequency of atrial contractions. The total number of heartbeats does not change. Normally, the heart contracts 60-90 times/min. Adapting to environmental conditions or physical stress, it changes towards acceleration. This condition is called tachycardia. It can be not only physiological, but also pathological, if it occurs at rest or under stress for no apparent reason and persists for a long time, requiring drug correction. Similar conditions can occur in the case of paroxysmal form, if the diet for atrial fibrillation is not followed.

Atrial fibrillation refers to one of the types of pathological tachycardias. The main mechanism of its occurrence is considered to be the appearance of an ectopic (additional) focus, which generates nerve impulses with a high frequency (120-220/min.) Most of them spread only to the atria. The ventricles can contract at normal or increased frequency. This depends on the strength of the ectopic node and the properties of the natural pacemaker (sinus node.) If it is so strong that it competes with the base one, then some of its impulses pass to the ventricles, increasing the frequency of their contractions. A situation arises in which the atria seem to tremble without performing full contractions.

Thus, atrial fibrillation is one of the types of cardiac rhythm disturbances, manifested by an increase in the frequency of atrial contractions of more than 120/min, their inferiority, with or without a possible change in the total number of heart contractions.

Etiological factors in the development of the disease

Considering the causes of atrial fibrillation, we can identify a large number of diseases and pathological conditions of cardiac and non-cardiac origin:

Chronic myocardial ischemia;
Acute myocardial infarction and post-infarction cardiosclerosis;
Myocarditis of various types and origins;
Cardiomyopathies of all types;
Atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis;
Chronic heart failure;
Diseases of the endocrine glands (adrenal and thyroid dysfunction);
Metabolic and electrolyte disorders (potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium);
Acute and chronic external intoxication;
Overdose or side effects of certain medications;
Intoxication in infectious and purulent-septic diseases;
Malignant arterial hypertension and hypertensive heart.

All these factors can cause disruption of metabolic processes or directly the structure of excitable tissues of the heart, which causes disruption of their normal functioning. The result of this may be the formation of vicious connections and foci, as a source of pathological impulses and the cause of atrial fibrillation.

Clinical manifestations and types of disease

Symptoms consist of complaints and objective examination data. The main sign of this pathology is the presence of a violation of the frequency and correctness of the heart rhythm. In this regard, patients complain of:

Interruptions in heart function;
Discomfort and pain in the chest;
Headaches and periodic dizziness;
Fainting with a drop in blood pressure;
General weakness and trembling of the limbs.

Some patients with long-term existence of some forms of atrial fibrillation adapt to these conditions so much that they do not feel any discomfort at all.

When examining such patients, one may notice pallor or slight cyanosis (blueness) of the skin, pastiness and swelling of the legs, and an increase in the size of the heart. But the most important symptoms of atrial fibrillation can be obtained by examining the pulse and auscultation. In this case, their dissociation with each other is revealed, manifested by a pulse deficit in the radial artery compared to the heart rate. The unevenness and irregularity of the heart rhythm with different intervals between contractions is also determined. Moreover, their overall frequency can be normal, increased or even decreased, which depends on the location of the arrhythmia and its strength.

In the classification of atrial fibrillation, several types can be distinguished.

According to the clinical course

Heart rhythm disturbances (atrial fibrillation)

work of the heart

The heart is an unusually complex organ. Its task is to collect the blood flowing to the heart through the veins and throw this blood into the arteries so that all the cells of the body receive their share of nutrients and oxygen. Reacting to an increase in the nutritional needs of any organ or the whole organism, it increases the release of blood into the arteries.

The heart consists of four chambers: two atria and two ventricles. In a healthy heart, the atria contract first, expelling the blood that entered them from the veins. Blood enters the ventricles of the heart. Contraction of the ventricles (systole) pushes blood into the arteries.

In the right atrium, blood collects from the veins of the whole body, then it enters the right ventricle, from there it is released into the arteries of the lungs. In the lungs, the blood is enriched with oxygen, gives off carbon dioxide and is collected in the pulmonary veins. From there, the blood enters the left atrium, then into the left ventricle, and from there into the arteries of the body.

The coordination of the heart is ensured by a special conduction system of the heart. These are specialized cells that produce and conduct electrical impulses that direct the coordinated contraction of the heart muscle.

The impulse that triggers the contraction of the heart is produced in the right atrium, in the so-called sinus node(pacemaker). It is this node that is responsible for the fact that the heart contracts at a frequency of 60-90 beats per minute. The signal then spreads to the remaining atria, causing them to contract, and then to the ventricles.

Disturbances in this system lead to heart rhythm disturbances ( arrhythmias).

What are the types of arrhythmias?

Heart contractions follow each other at regular intervals. If this sequence is disrupted, the patient is said to have an arrhythmia. Depending on where the disturbances occur, all arrhythmias are divided into atrial(or supraventricular) and ventricular.

Arrhythmia is not an independent disease, but a sign (symptom) of some disease. Therefore, the occurrence of arrhythmia requires mandatory examination by a cardiologist.

The patient can detect the presence of arrhythmia himself. To do this, you need to learn to find and count the pulse.

Many people do not even know that they have such a dangerous disease. Although it is widespread. In order to diagnose the disease in time, you need to know exactly what atrial fibrillation is: its symptoms and its treatment. A dangerous disease can provoke the formation of a blood clot in the atrium, which subsequently leads to a stroke. Often this type of arrhythmia leads to death, so it is necessary to quickly recognize it and begin treatment.

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation

Experts identify the following forms of atrial fibrillation:

Constant is characterized by a long-term attack that lasts more than a week.
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation goes away on its own after 2 days.
Persistent atrial fibrillation is different in that it requires medical intervention to stop it.

In many cases, this insidious disease is discovered by chance during an ECG. Patients with atrial fibrillation notice an increase in heart rate, interruptions in the heartbeat, and they experience shortness of breath even with slight physical exertion. An attack of atrial fibrillation brings with it pulsation in the veins located in the neck, a feeling of fear, increased sweating, weakness and other symptoms. When the heart rhythm is restored, all signs disappear. When rhythms fluctuate, nausea and vomiting are possible.

Causes of the disease

Causes related to the heart and its work:

increased blood pressure;
ailments in the heart arteries;
heart valve defects;
congenital heart defects;
consequences of operations performed on the organ;
both the cause and the complication are heart failure;
inflammation of the walls of the heart;
tumors in the organ;

Among the reasons not related to the activities of the body are the following:

stress;
bad habits;
excessive physical activity;
caffeine;
some tablets (adrenaline, atropine and diuretics);
diseases of the lungs, thyroid gland and viral infections;
sleep apnea;
eating disorders (including diets).

Treatment of atrial fibrillation at home

When a person exhibits symptoms of the disease, the question arises: what is atrial fibrillation and how to treat it. First, you definitely need to consult a doctor, since the heart is the most important organ; problems with its functioning can be fatal. An examination and consultation with a doctor will help identify the cause of the disease. Treatment of a permanent form of atrial fibrillation will have to be carried out at home, since the disease is chronic.

Folk remedies

Atrial fibrillation: its symptoms and treatment involve the use of folk remedies:

Hawthorn decoction:

hawthorn berries – 30 pcs.;
hot water - 1 tbsp.

Preparation:

Take the fruits and crush them.
Add hot water to the mixture and place on low heat. Cook for 10 minutes.
After removing the broth from the heat, cool and strain. Add a little water (boiled) so that the volume of the product is 1 tbsp.
You need to take the drug on an empty stomach, taking small sips.

Motherwort tea:

dry motherwort – 1 tbsp. l.;
boiling water – 1 tbsp.

Preparation:

Take dry herbs and pour boiling water over them. Infuse tea for about 15 minutes.
The drink should be consumed warm, 1 tbsp. l. 3-4 times a day before meals.

Herbal collection:

Ingredients:

Adonis grass (adonis);
calendula flowers;
mint;
sweet clover;
chicory root;
dog-rose fruit;
boiling water – 1 l.

Application:

Take all ingredients in equal quantities and grind in a coffee grinder.
Pour boiling water over 2 tbsp. mixture placed in a saucepan. You need to boil the product for 10 minutes.
There is no need to strain it, immediately transfer it to a thermos and leave it to steep for 6-8 hours.
Treatment of atrial fibrillation with folk remedies involves using this drug before meals, half a glass.

Drugs

Relief of atrial fibrillation through drug treatment should occur according to the doctor’s instructions; common medications include:

"Atenolol":

Ingredients: atenolol.
Application: regulates blood pressure, has a calming effect on the nervous system, restores heart rhythm.
Price: 22 rub.

"Cordaron":

Ingredients: amiodarone hydrochloride.
Action: relieves pain, helps reduce pressure and rhythm of the organ, maintains an adequate pulse, fights paroxysmal arrhythmia.
Price: 314 rub.

"Digoxin":

Active ingredient: digoxin.
Use: helps normalize the number of heart contractions, facilitates the work of the heart, eliminates swelling and shortness of breath.
Price: 53 rub.

"Aspirin":

Ingredients: acetylsalicylic acid.
Application: thins the blood, reduces the possibility of blood clots.
Price: 131 rub.

Operation

Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation is necessary when pills are powerless; doctors can use one of the surgical methods:

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) involves inserting electrodes into the heart through the femoral or subclavian vein. The operation requires local anesthesia and is not very traumatic.
When a pacemaker is implanted, a special device is introduced that is capable of restoring the heart rhythm. In addition to the electrodes that are placed in the vein, during such an operation it is also necessary to place the body of the device. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The operation of a pacemaker requires compliance with certain rules.

Life forecast

Life expectancy with this disease is regulated by how responsibly a person will approach the recommendations of doctors. If everything is done correctly, then with uncomplicated atrial fibrillation the prognosis is favorable. However, this indicator depends not only on the pills and lifestyle, but also on the disease that caused the arrhythmia. In addition, the prognosis will be affected by the occurrence of a stroke, its severity, and the degree of development of complications, for example, heart failure.

Video: how to treat atrial fibrillation

In the ICD-10 classification, this disease is in the group “Atrial fibrillation and flutter.” Atrial fibrillation: its symptoms and treatment, pathogenesis are revealed even better and more clearly to the average patient on the pages of reference books and Internet sites. From the video below you can learn that the presence of this disease does not mean that you have signed a death sentence; the disease can and should be cured.

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder. This pathology is also called atrial fibrillation. It occurs in 1-2% of cases, but for older people these numbers are higher. Pathology can lead to serious complications, so it is impossible to delay its treatment.

General characteristics of the disease

Atrial fibrillation is a type of supraventricular tachyarrhythmia, that is, a pathologically fast heart rate. The pulse frequency sometimes reaches 350-700 beats per minute, which is several times higher than the norm.

The pathology is accompanied by frequent and chaotic contractions of the atria. Some complexes of atrial muscle fibers may experience twitching and fibrillation, that is, the synchrony of their work is disrupted.

According to statistics, 1-2% of people suffer from atrial fibrillation, but these are generalized figures. The prevalence of the pathology depends on age. For example, after 80 years, this disorder is diagnosed in 8% of patients.

A prolonged attack of atrial fibrillation can provoke thrombosis and ischemic stroke. With constant relapses of the pathology, rapid progression of chronic circulatory failure is possible.

Classification of the disease

Atrial fibrillation is usually classified according to the frequency and duration of its manifestations. The following forms of pathology are distinguished:

First identified. This diagnosis is made to the patient if atrial fibrillation appears for the first time.
Paroxysmal. This variety is also called transient. The duration of the attack is no more than 2 days, occasionally lasting up to 7 days. Restoration of sinus rhythm occurs spontaneously. The attack can be treated with medication, but sometimes goes away on its own.
Persistent. With this type of disorder, the attack lasts more than 7 days. In this case, it can only be stopped with medication or by cardiac defibrillation. In some cases, surgery is required.
Long-term persistent atrial fibrillation can last up to a year.
The permanent form is a chronic manifestation of the disease. In this case, even treatment does not help restore normal rhythm.

There is also a classification of atrial fibrillation according to the manifestations of its symptoms. It was developed by the European Society of Cardiology (EHRA). According to this classification, there are 4 classes of atrial fibrillation:

Class I means the disease is asymptomatic.
Class II implies mild symptoms in the absence of disruption of normal activities.
Class III is characterized by severe symptoms when there is a change in daily activities.
Class IV symptoms are called disabling because the patient is unable to perform normal daily activities.

Atrial rhythm disturbances may manifest as flutter or fibrillation. The first option means that atrial contraction reaches 200-400 beats per minute, but the correct atrial rhythm is preserved. In the second case, the contraction affects isolated groups of muscle fibers, which explains the lack of coordinated contraction of the atria.

Causes

The risk of onset of atrial fibrillation is very high for people after 40 years of age and is 26% for men and 23% for women. The risk group includes patients with various diseases of the cardiovascular system:

arterial hypertension;
ischemic disease (in 20% of cases);
heart failure;
heart valve disease (acquired form);
congenital heart disease;
cardiomyopathy;
inflammatory process (myocarditis, pericarditis, endocarditis);
neoplasms;
undergone heart surgery.

There are other risk factors called extracardiac. One of them is heredity. According to statistics, every 3-4 patients with atrial fibrillation had a similar pathology diagnosed in close relatives.

Atrial fibrillation can be caused by other factors:

obesity;
diabetes mellitus;
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
apnea syndrome;
chronic kidney disease;
viral infection;
gene mutation.

Atrial fibrillation can be a consequence of Graves' disease (diffuse toxic goiter), alcohol poisoning, neuropsychic stress, hypokalemia (lack of potassium in the body). This pathology can also be caused by intoxication with certain medications, in particular adrenergic stimulants or cardiac glycosides.

Sometimes even the most thorough diagnosis does not help to identify the cause of the violations. This atrial fibrillation is considered idiopathic.

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation

Signs of pathology directly depend on its form. Paroxysmal fibrillation may be asymptomatic. In this case, the first sign may be thromboembolism, often in the form of a stroke.

The main symptoms of the pathology are rapid heartbeat and chest discomfort, which can manifest as pain. The following signs indicate the occurrence of heart failure:

weakness;
dizziness;
dyspnea;
lightheadedness or fainting.

During an attack of atrial fibrillation, the patient may urinate more frequently. Such phenomena are caused by the increased production of a peptide hormone - atrial natriuretic peptide.

The patient may experience unexplained fear or a panic attack. This condition is often accompanied by excessive sweating.

Atrial fibrillation is accompanied by an arrhythmic pulse. Sometimes there is a deficiency, that is, the value at the apex of the heart exceeds the numbers measured at the wrist. This occurs because, against the background of a rapid ventricular rhythm, the stroke volume of the left ventricle is not enough to make a peripheral venous wave.

Diagnostics

Atrial fibrillation can be diagnosed during a physical examination. Palpation of the peripheral pulse reveals irregular rhythm with tension.

Auscultation of the heart determines the lack of rhythm in its sounds and reveals significant fluctuations in volume. Based on such signs, the patient is referred to a cardiologist.

To determine the form of atrial fibrillation, anamnesis must be collected. What matters is the date of the primary manifestation of the pathology and its duration. Be sure to consider risk factors.

The following studies are important for diagnosis:

Electrocardiography. It allows you to confirm the diagnosis based on certain signs. Daily monitoring is important - monitoring using the Holter method. This is required to monitor heart rhythm and clarify the diagnosis. Carrying out exercise tests makes it possible to identify signs of myocardial ischemia and select the correct antiarrhythmic drug.
Echocardiography. This test is based on ultrasound scanning. Diagnostics makes it possible to find out the parameters of the organ cavities, identify the presence of intracardiac blood clots, and evaluate the diastolic and systolic function of the left ventricle. The results of echocardiography are necessary when prescribing antithrombotic and antiarrhythmic treatment.
Magnetic resonance or multislice computed tomography. This study allows you to visualize the heart in great detail.
Transesophageal electrocardiography helps determine the mechanism of pathology development. These studies are especially important before the introduction of an artificial pacemaker or catheter ablation (destruction).

Treatment of atrial fibrillation

The main goals of treatment are to restore and maintain sinus rhythm and prevent relapses of attacks of pathology. It is important to control the heart rate and prevent thromboembolism.

Conservative therapy

Novocainamide and Amiodarone help stop an attack of atrial fibrillation. These drugs have an antiarrhythmic effect and are used orally and intravenously. Quinidine and Propafenone are also used for internal use. Taking such drugs involves monitoring blood pressure and conducting electrocardiography.

If there is a risk of thromboembolism, blood thinners are used. These are vitamin K antagonists or oral anticoagulants. Among them, direct thrombin inhibitors are usually used. Such drugs are prescribed individually, taking into account the characteristics of the disease and existing contraindications. When taking vitamin K antagonists, the patient needs constant laboratory monitoring of blood parameters (mainly for clotting), based on which the dosage is adjusted.

If an attack of arrhythmia lasts more than 48 hours, then the risk of thrombosis increases significantly. Warfarin can be used to prevent thromboembolic complications. This drug is an indirect anticoagulant.

If you have atrial fibrillation, it is important to reduce your heart rate. To do this, they resort to β-blockers and calcium channel blockers. These drugs cause the heart to slow down by preventing the rapid contraction of its ventricles.

If you have atrial fibrillation, it is important to keep your heart rate at 60 beats per minute. This effect is achieved using the following groups of drugs:

calcium antagonists;
β-blockers;
digitalis preparations;
antiarrhythmic drugs.

Often, among the groups of such drugs, “Digoxin” (digitalis drug), “Propranolol” (beta-blocker), “Verapamil” (antiarrhythmic, slow calcium channel blocker) are chosen. This therapy is prescribed taking into account the patient’s concomitant diseases. In some cases, treatment may need to be done in a hospital setting to monitor changes in heart rhythm and the body's response.

Such therapy is constantly necessary if the patient has been diagnosed with persistent atrial fibrillation, that is, a chronic form of the pathology.

Over time, the effect of taking an antiarrhythmic drug may decrease. In most cases, experts prefer to prescribe several drugs from this group.

For repeated attacks of atrial fibrillation, they resort to a method called "a pill in your pocket." The specialist selects a drug that has proven itself in hospital treatment. This approach allows you to stop an attack without waiting for hospitalization. Most often, Propanorm (Propafenone) is prescribed for such purposes. It is also used for prophylactic purposes to prevent repeated attacks of atrial fibrillation. In this case, it is necessary to take a certain dose of the drug daily, and this must be done at the same time each time. The dosage is selected individually depending on the characteristics of the pathology and the patient’s weight.

Drugs for the treatment of atrial fibrillation in most cases have serious contraindications. Only a specialist has the right to prescribe specific medications and determine their optimal dosage.

If the antiarrhythmic effect has not been achieved, then drug treatment is considered ineffective. In this case, surgical intervention is necessary.

Catheter ablation

This method of surgical intervention is called radiofrequency. The operation is usually performed under local anesthesia.

Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive intervention. After anesthetic treatment, a vein (artery) is punctured and electrodes are inserted into the heart cavity. This is done through introducers - special tubes.

First, an electrophysiological study is performed to detect arrhythmogenic zones. To do this, an intracardiac cardiogram is recorded and arrhythmia is provoked using special tests.

After identifying the arrhythmogenic area using an electrode, radiofrequency energy is directed to it. After a short period of time (usually 20 minutes), the success of the intervention is checked by electrophysiological testing. If the results are satisfactory, the operation is completed. After the catheters are removed, a pressure bandage is applied to the puncture sites.

Catheter ablation is attractive due to its rapid recovery. The patient only needs strict bed rest for the first 12 hours after surgery. At this time, you must lie on your back and do not bend your knees.

Artificial pacemaker

You can maintain a normal heartbeat during atrial fibrillation using an artificial pacemaker, also called a pacemaker. This type of surgery is considered minor.

The patient is given local anesthesia. Only the skin and subcutaneous tissue are cut, without touching the ribs. Then one vein is isolated and an electrode (sometimes several) is passed through it into the heart chamber. This manipulation is performed under X-ray control.

The parameters of the installed electrode must be checked. Then it is fixed in the vein, and a bed for the device body is formed in the subcutaneous tissue. After connecting the pacemaker to the electrode, the wound is sutured.

The pacemaker delivers impulses at a set frequency. Under their influence, the myocardium contracts, which ensures the necessary rhythm.

This operation is low-traumatic. The outer shell of the device is made of an alloy, which is extremely rarely rejected by the body.

Diet

If you have atrial fibrillation, you should reconsider your eating habits. It is important to maintain the BZHU ratio, it should be 4:1:3. The diet must contain the required amount of microelements.

Patients need to reduce the amount of salt. You don’t need to give it up completely, but add some salt to your dishes in moderation.

Fatty foods should be avoided. It negatively affects the state of the cardiovascular system.

If you have atrial fibrillation, you should not have bad habits. You should refuse them completely or limit them as much as possible.

ethnoscience

For atrial fibrillation, some traditional medicine methods are effective. You can use the following tools:

Viburnum decoction. It must be prepared from berries. The fruits are collected after the first frost and filled with water. Use the product twice a day, 200 ml. The first dose should be in the morning, the second before bedtime.
Yarrow tincture. It is made from alcohol. Take the product one teaspoon in the morning and before lunch.
Dill decoction. It is prepared from seeds. Drink the decoction before meals, a third of a glass three times a day.
A decoction of lily of the valley, valerian and hawthorn flowers is effective. The components must be taken in a ratio of 2:1:1.
Hawthorn tea with rose hips (1:1) is beneficial. This product thins the blood.

Possible complications, prognosis

One of the serious consequences of atrial fibrillation is blood stagnation. This leads to the formation of blood clots, that is, blood clots. The left atrium is more susceptible to this phenomenon. The detachment of small fragments of a blood clot - an embolus - causes a heart attack, as they reach the coronary vessels. If emboli penetrate the carotid artery, a cardioembolic stroke occurs.

If the pathology develops against the background of a heart defect and impaired contractility of its ventricles, then heart failure may become a complication. If the patient has mitral stenosis or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the risk of pulmonary edema and cardiac asthma increases.

The low cardiac output of atrial fibrillation can cause arrhythmogenic shock. In this case, only emergency restoration of heart rhythm and subsequent treatment can save the patient.

Atrial fibrillation can progress to ventricular fibrillation, which, in turn, can lead to cardiac arrest.

The prognosis for atrial fibrillation largely depends on the severity of the cardiovascular disease that caused this pathology. Ischemic stroke can develop in 5% of cases per year, and for people under 60 years of age the risk is 1.5%, and after 80 years of age - 23%.

In every sixth case of stroke, the patient is diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. This factor increases the risk of death by 2 times.

Prevention

A distinction should be made between primary and secondary preventive measures. Primary prevention consists of actively treating diseases that carry a risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Arterial hypertension and heart failure deserve special attention.

A healthy lifestyle is important, including a proper diet and sufficient physical activity. For example, you should give up bad habits. Your diet should include plant foods, fish and seafood. It is important to maintain a normal weight. It is useful to practice breathing exercises and...

If there has been at least one manifestation of atrial fibrillation, then secondary prevention is necessary. Its main goal is to prevent relapses of pathology.

This can be done through drug therapy or cardiac surgery. The patient must stop drinking alcohol and limit physical and mental stress.

Video about atrial fibrillation

The dangers of the pathology, risk factors, diagnosis and therapy are described in this TV show:

Atrial fibrillation is quite common, but older people are more susceptible to it. This condition requires medication and, in some cases, surgery. It is important to observe the prevention of not only the initial occurrence of pathology, but also its relapses.

Everyone knows that chest pain is a cause for alarm, a reason to start worrying about your health. But few people know that there are other symptoms that indicate “heart problems.” Rapid heartbeat, dizziness and shortness of breath - all this can accompany an attack of atrial fibrillation (AF), but many do not pay attention to this.

The survey shows that only 33% of people with MA believe they have a serious condition. However, if this pathology is “dismissed” or treated inadequately, it can lead to a serious complication - a stroke. How to protect yourself from this? What to do if you have an attack of atrial fibrillation?

Read in this article

How to recognize an attack

Atrial fibrillation (or, as it is also called, atrial fibrillation) is a fairly common heart rhythm disorder, occurring in 2% of the world's inhabitants. Normal, synchronous operation of the four chambers of the heart provides the body with the necessary volumes of pumped blood. In atrial fibrillation, when the heart rate becomes faster and irregular, the atria and ventricles become unbalanced. The pumping function of the heart suffers - they are thrown out
insufficient blood volumes.

Palpitations - a feeling that the heart is “jumping”, “fluttering”, beating too quickly or too hard - these are the most characteristic signs of an attack of atrial fibrillation.

Such sensations, lasting more than 30 seconds, should suggest that there is something “not all right” with the heart.

Other symptoms of an attack of atrial fibrillation are also possible, these include:

dizziness;
dyspnea - a violation of the frequency and depth of breathing, accompanied by a feeling of lack of air;
anxiety;
general weakness;
fainting or a state close to it;
sweating;
pain or feeling of squeezing behind the sternum.

If the above symptoms occur, you should definitely contact the emergency department immediately, where, as a rule, an attack of atrial fibrillation is relieved. Even if it goes away on its own, it is imperative to consult a doctor who will prescribe a special examination.

Symptoms that should cause concern

For a person who suffers from atrial fibrillation, a rule should be developed that states: it is necessary to inform the attending physician about all changes in the state of health that make adjustments to his daily life; the appearance of new symptoms should alert him. This is due to the fact that with this arrhythmia there is a high risk of blood clots forming in the chambers of the heart, which can move to other parts of the arterial bed and block blood vessels.

Brain stroke is one of the most dangerous complications of atrial fibrillation. It is noted that it occurs more often during prolonged attacks, or when their frequency increases.

There is a “rule of thumb” for people with atrial fibrillation: if the attack lasts more than 2 hours and you cannot stop it on your own, you should immediately consult a doctor. Since the risk of “getting” or .

Symptoms that signal a more serious situation

After the heart rhythm is restored, upon discharge, the doctor will recommend further use of antiarrhythmic drugs to prevent attacks of atrial fibrillation. And also before and after cardioversion, anticoagulants, drugs that prevent the formation of blood clots, are prescribed for several weeks. This is usually warfarin.

About what symptoms of arrhythmia should alert the patient and minimally invasive methods of treating arrhythmia:

What you can do at home

If the patient feels comfortable enough and believes that his condition does not require medical attention, options for independently converting the pathological rhythm into a normal sinus rhythm are possible. Ways to relieve an attack atrial fibrillation at home:

Drink a glass of plain water. Sometimes the cause of arrhythmia is dehydration.

During an attack, you should not drink coffee, tea or soft drinks. The latter may contain phosphorus, which reduces the content of magnesium in the body - a necessary cation for normal heart function.

Eat a few bananas. Atrial fibrillation can be caused by a lack of potassium. This is quite often observed with an excess of table salt in the diet. This trace element is also found in tomatoes, prunes and oranges. However, you should stay away from juices from these products, as they may contain large amounts of table salt. A person suffering from atrial fibrillation should develop a rule: stay away from salt!

Note: As a rule, vitamin supplements, in addition to potassium, contain calcium, which is not recommended for atrial fibrillation, as it can “overexcite” the heart. If, during atrial fibrillation, the question of how to relieve an attack has become acute, it is better to call an ambulance and get advice .

But you should pay attention that another cation, namely calcium, is not included in the bath salt.

Wash your face several times with cold water. Or fill a sink with it and immerse your head in it. Sometimes this little shake-up can come to the rescue.
Lie down or sit down and try to relax by doing several exercises in this position. Some people find relief from the attack by lying on their stomach, while others say that certain movements of their arms or legs help them get rid of their symptoms. Therefore, you should experiment and find a suitable option.
Try using the belly breathing technique. Lie down or sit comfortably and relax. Breathe through your nose to the count of four to “fill your belly.” Then, also counting 1, 2,... 4, exhale through your nose or mouth. You need to breathe as if from your stomach, and not from your chest, using mainly the muscles of the diaphragm and abdominal wall. You should not hold your inhalation and exhalation, everything should happen evenly. You can also try, “breathing with your stomach,” pausing it for 10 seconds, and then resuming rhythmic breathing.

To learn how to correctly perform the “belly breathing” technique, watch this video:

If the symptoms of atrial fibrillation persist or even worsen, this is a reason to stop trying to fight the attack on your own and consult a doctor.

Doctors believe that any attack of atrial fibrillation, even if it does not manifest itself in any way, does not affect the general well-being of the patient, requires relief. Long-lasting atrial fibrillation is dangerous due to complications - the development of a cerebral stroke, blockage of the coronary arteries, intestinal vessels and other organs.

Arrhythmia cannot be ignored; it can lead to serious consequences for health, disability and even death.

Cardiac causes of disease

The main cause of atrial fibrillation lies in the malfunction of the conduction system of the heart. As a result, normal contraction of muscle fibers is disrupted. The atria are not able to produce one strong impulse every second. Small and frequent trembling occurs. As a result, blood flow is not pushed into the ventricles. Doctors find many culprits for this phenomenon.

Atrial fibrillation, the treatment of which is quite successful today, can be provoked by cardiac causes:

High blood pressure. Hypertension causes the heart to work at an increased rate. A significant flow of blood enters the vessels. Due to excessive load, the heart muscle stretches, increases in size and, naturally, weakens. This condition provokes disturbances of the sinus nodes and conduction bundles.
Arterial diseases. All components of the system need a constant supply of blood. It is through the arteries that oxygen moves. Due to illness, normal supply is disrupted and function is poorly performed.
Heart defects. Defects in the aortic or mitral valve provoke atrial fibrillation. Quite often this is the cause of the disease in young people. Due to the valve not closing tightly, some of the blood returns to the atria. Here it mixes with the venous one. As a result, the walls and volume of the atria increase. And this leads to weakening of the heart and deterioration in its functioning.
Surgical interventions. In a person who has undergone heart surgery, the conductive fibers may be damaged and scar tissue may form. By replacing unique cells, it forces impulses to travel in other ways.
Heart failure. An illness can be a cause or a consequence of an illness. Overworked from hypertension or a defect, the heart works much worse. The automaticity of the muscle is completely disrupted.
Myocarditis and pericarditis. These diseases are characterized by inflammation of the walls of the heart. Naturally, conductivity suffers as a result. Signals sent by the sinus node or nervous system remain unattended by the parts of the heart.
Tumors. These formations disrupt functioning. As a result, heart tumors do not conduct the necessary impulses. And, of course, they provoke serious violations.

Non-cardiac causes

The disease can be triggered by other factors. Therefore, if any of the following is typical for you, and periodically you feel interruptions in your heart function, you may have atrial fibrillation. Treatment should begin only after a complete examination. After all, the symptoms of many diseases are quite similar. The main non-cardiac causes include:

Alcohol and nicotine. Excessive doses of “hot” drinks can cause an attack of atrial fibrillation. Nicotine, cocaine, and amphetamine can provoke not only this disease, but also serious heart damage.

Stress. Any nervous shock provokes a disorder in the functioning of the nervous system. And this directly affects the heart rhythm. Another disadvantage is the increased content of adrenaline, which causes more frequent strokes.
Caffeine. It's no secret that excessive use of this substance causes an increased heart rate. It is worth noting that strong tea contains a decent dose of caffeine.
Physical exercise. Increased work of the muscular system requires additional blood flow. It is noted that in such cases the heart speeds up its rhythm twice as much. Sometimes the conducting system simply does not have time to coordinate the correct work.
Taking medications. Some drugs (atropine, adrenaline, diuretics) disrupt the balance of microelements involved in creating the impulse.
Thyroid diseases. Increased levels of hormones characteristic of hyperthyroidism significantly increase the number of heart beats. And this leads to an irregular rhythm.
Viral diseases. An increase in temperature causes an increase in heart rate. 1 degree increases heart rate by 10 beats per minute. In addition, intoxication disrupts the functioning of the nervous system. Taken together, these aspects can cause failures.
Eating disorder. Different diets or the wrong approach to diet can remove vital potassium, magnesium and calcium from the body. The lack of such elements disrupts the automaticity of the heart. As a result, the impulse may not be formed and not carried out.
Lung diseases. Problems with the respiratory system often cause oxygen starvation. This has a rather bad effect on the functioning of the heart. As a rule, a lack of oxygen leads to the formation of uneven impulses.
Diabetes. This disease, accompanied by obesity, disrupts the body's metabolism. All systems suffer from a lack of normal blood supply. Of course, the brain and heart are the most sensitive to a lack of oxygen. As a result, their functioning is impaired.

Types of atrial fibrillation

This disease is a fairly common pathology. It ranked third on the list of reasons for hospitalization. Due to possible complications it is dangerous, especially for older people. Severe consequences can occur if you do not pay enough attention to such a serious manifestation as atrial fibrillation. Symptoms and treatment largely depend on the type of disease.

The following forms are distinguished:

Recurrent. This diagnosis is made after several attacks.
Paroxysmal. This form is characterized by spontaneous restoration of rhythm within a week.
Persistent. If symptoms last more than one week, this form of the disease is diagnosed.
Long-term persistent. This atrial fibrillation requires immediate hospitalization. Treatment is necessary for a very long time, usually about one year.
Constant. It is diagnosed when there is a sufficiently long absence of normal sinus rhythm. Characterized by high duration.

Main symptoms

One of the main signs is an increase in the number of heartbeats. In some cases, the atria deliver up to 600 beats per minute. The heart is unable to withstand this frantic rhythm, so it takes a break. The patient has a feeling that the natural motor either beats or stops knocking altogether. However, the opposite symptoms may also occur. Atrial fibrillation may be characterized by a slow heartbeat. Symptoms and treatment for this form vary. Therefore, it is quite important not to joke with this disease and not to self-medicate.

The main symptoms include:

chest pain;
shortness of breath, feeling of lack of air;
weakness;
dizziness, fainting, darkening of the eyes;
increased sweating, nausea;
irregular heartbeat, sometimes pulse deficiency;
anxiety, panic, fear of death;
increased urination (associated with increased blood pressure).

However, do not forget that patient complaints vary. Signs of the disease depend on the degree of impairment and the individual characteristics of the patient. Some cases are completely asymptomatic. Only upon examination, usually for a completely different reason, is a rhythm disturbance detected.

Carefully! First attack

The disease increases the risk of possible stroke and heart failure. Therefore, remember, if you are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, treatment with folk remedies or following recommendations such as standing on your head or drinking valerian is not what you need. A more serious approach is needed here.

It is very important, when you first feel a rhythm disturbance, to call an ambulance. As a rule, the patient is offered hospitalization. If an attack occurs for the first time, it is recommended not to refuse hospitalization. After all, in the hospital it will be much faster to select an effective treatment for such a serious disease as atrial fibrillation. Cordarone tablets (Amiocordin or Amiadarone) can interrupt an attack. This drug is internationally recognized as the best antiarrhythmic. But, unfortunately, the medicine does not work in all cases - only in 60%.

If the attack caused by atrial fibrillation does not stop, treatment (Cordarone tablets, as already noted, are not always effective) consists of cardioversion. This is electropulse therapy. The patient is given anesthesia and the heart rhythm is restored. They hold it with the same “Cordarone”.

If you have thyroid disease, this drug, unfortunately, is not recommended. After all, it contains iodine.

In general, if we talk about the accepted standards for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, then emergency relief for this disease is not necessary. After all, we are not talking about a threat to life. That is why tablets or intravenous drips are initially used. And only if such remedies are ineffective, electropulse therapy is prescribed.

Drug treatment

The attack can end as suddenly as it began. Sometimes it goes away in a few minutes. But it happens that its duration is calculated in hours, and sometimes even days. If you feel an irregular heartbeat, you should definitely inform your doctor about this fact. If the attack lasts for several hours, you should urgently call for help from doctors.

Treatment methods for atrial fibrillation depend on the form of the disease. Tactics are aimed at restoring, followed by maintaining, sinus rhythm, preventing recurrence of attacks, strict control over the heart rate and preventing the formation of blood clots.

If a patient is diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, treatment includes the use of the following drugs:

"Quinidine";
"Novocainamide";
"Cordaron";
"Propanorm".

All medications are administered under the strict control of an electrocardiogram and blood pressure. These indicators make it possible to determine whether the choice of medications is effective, because atrial fibrillation occurs very individually. Drug treatment includes taking medications that help improve the well-being of patients. They are aimed at reducing shortness of breath and weakness. These are Anaprilin, Digoxin and Verapamil.

Atrial fibrillation that lasts more than two days can provoke the formation of blood clots. To avoid such a serious complication, doctors include the drug Warfarin in complex treatment.

If a chronic form of the disease is diagnosed, doctors recommend taking constantly prescribed adrenergic blockers. In this case, it is quite important to establish the cause of the attack. In those patients whose rhythm disturbance was provoked by the underlying disease, doctors begin therapy with it.

With repeated attacks, doctors consider more drastic methods. Treatment for permanent atrial fibrillation often involves implantation of a pacemaker.

Surgical intervention

Initially, doctors try to stabilize the patient’s condition with medications. If no positive results are found, doctors consider more serious treatment for atrial fibrillation. Surgery becomes the only chance to overcome the disease. Today, there are several types of surgical interventions.

Catheter ablation. This method is considered low-traumatic because it does not require large incisions. As a rule, persistent atrial fibrillation leads to surgical intervention. Treatment begins with research. And only after identifying the areas that provoke rhythm disturbances, the doctor destroys the cells that cause the atria to flicker. The operation is performed under local anesthesia. As a rule, intervention occurs through the subclavian vein.
Pacemaker implantation. In some cases, surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation involves installing a special medical device. This is the only way to restore the normal rhythm of heart contractions. The functions of a pacemaker can be to contract only the atrium or in combination with the ventricles. Most modern devices are very easily adaptable to all human needs. So, when the patient is active, the device can speed up the rhythm to provide the necessary blood flow to the muscles and lungs.

Of course, a pacemaker brings many benefits. It will not only improve your condition, but also allow you to become more resilient. It is important not to forget that the body constantly wears a complex device. Some restrictions are imposed on a person with such a rhythm stimulator.

We will have to accept prohibitions on:

MRI (only CT is allowed);
Ultrasound in the area of the pacemaker;
physiotherapy;
exposure to electric current on the body (cosmetic procedures, surgeries, everyday life).

You should definitely listen to your well-being and not overload yourself with excessive stress. Do not forget that atrial fibrillation requires mandatory prevention. Treatment with folk remedies (as an additive to the main therapy) will help support the body. Many recipes invented by our ancestors will protect against new attacks.

Traditional methods

Achieving two main goals makes it possible to stabilize a disease such as atrial fibrillation. Treatment with folk remedies fully takes them into account. We are talking about restoring the normal rhythm and maintaining it, thereby eliminating the risk of a new attack. Various medicinal herbs are used for these purposes. It is important to understand that the treatment of atrial fibrillation combines drugs (medicines) and folk remedies. Only such an integrated approach can guarantee effective results.

Hawthorn berries. The introduction of this product into the diet allows you to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve the functioning of the arteries and heart. The active substances contained in abundance in hawthorn help stabilize blood pressure. And, importantly, they reduce the excitability of the nervous system and heart. Hawthorn restores the necessary balance of sodium and potassium in the body. Namely, these substances are responsible for the normal conduction of impulses. Thus, arrhythmia is significantly reduced.

Motherwort. This amazing plant helps lower blood pressure, fights the formation of blood clots, and perfectly calms the nervous system. By improving the functioning of the vessels that supply the heart, it stabilizes the rhythm. One tablespoon of the dry herb mixture is poured into a glass of boiling water. After just 15 minutes, the infusion is completely ready. You can also use a ready-made drug, which is sold in pharmacies. About 30-50 drops should be diluted in water. You need to take the product 3-4 times a day for a month.
Tincture mixture. One of the effective and simple recipes stabilizes atrial fibrillation. Treatment with folk remedies in this case involves mixing tinctures of valerian, hawthorn and motherwort. You need one bottle of each component. Use glassware. After draining all three ingredients, leave the composition to infuse for a day. This mixture should be taken for two months. Drink one teaspoon daily (3-4 times).

Nutritional Features

For a person diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, traditional treatment requires paying attention not only to medications and herbs, but also to taking care of the right diet. There are products containing large amounts of vitamins, microelements, and fat-breaking substances. They should be given preference.

Remember, for preventive purposes it is necessary to introduce the following products into your daily diet:

oranges, lemons;
garlic, onion;
walnuts, peanuts, almonds, cashews;
viburnum, cranberries;
dried fruits: dried apricots, raisins, prunes;
sprouted wheat grains;
vegetable oils;
dairy products.

Eliminate chocolate, coffee, alcohol, lard, and fatty meats from your food. Eating flour, sweet dishes, smoked meats, canned food, and rich broths has quite a negative impact on health.

Apple cider vinegar has amazing properties. It protects the body from the formation of blood clots and saturates the heart muscle with potassium. Two teaspoons of vinegar are enough for one glass of water. Add 1 teaspoon of honey to the resulting liquid. This drink is drunk half an hour before meals. You need to take it daily for two to three weeks.

Conclusion

If you feel an irregularity in your pulse rhythm or interruptions in your heart function, do not rush to diagnose yourself. Seek competent help from your doctors. And even if you have been diagnosed with an illness, you should not panic. Modern treatment of atrial fibrillation allows you to choose the optimal set of measures that will protect against recurrence of attacks. In combination with folk remedies and the right lifestyle, they will protect against the unpleasant consequences of the disease.