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

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

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

Atrial fibrillation can occur with increased thyroid function or appear after a good feast at the festive table, and after a while 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);

– Stable (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 subsequent deterioration of the contractile function of the heart. Normally, 4 chambers of the heart (2 atria and 2 ventricles) contract harmoniously one after another, and 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 with atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is not a life-threatening disease. However, atrial fibrillation always aggravates the course of cardiovascular disease. against which it arose, and worsens its prognosis. In addition, it significantly increases the risk of death from a stroke due to the formation of blood clots in the heart, breaking them off and entering other vessels.

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

Methods of treatment in modern medicine

Treatment of atrial fibrillation is aimed at 3 main goals:

Firstly. rhythm 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 of the drugs is necessary for a particular patient - the doctor decides, taking into account many factors and concomitant conditions and diseases.

Secondly. to prevent the formation of blood clots, a constant (lifelong) intake of antiplatelet agents, that is, drugs that thin the blood, such as aspirin or warfarin .

Thirdly (if necessary), the issue of restoring sinus rhythm with its subsequent retention is resolved. Currently, there is a new method of restoring sinus rhythm, which is called catheter ablation. This is a cardiac surgical method of intervention 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 the sinus rhythm only with the first or paroxysmal form of atrial fibrillation. And then only in those cases when the high frequency of the rhythm is accompanied by clinical manifestations that worsen the life of the patient or with the threat of complications. In other cases, it is enough to keep the rhythm frequency (about 60 beats per minute) with the help of daily medication.

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

Treatment of atrial fibrillation with folk remedies, herbal medicine

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

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

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

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

1 st. pour a spoonful of rose hips (without seeds) with 2 cups of boiling water, cook for 10 minutes, filter. In the chilled broth, add 1 tbsp. 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 with 100 ml of water, put on fire, bring to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes. After that, we insist 15-20 minutes, filter and take 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day before meals.

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

Prevention of atrial fibrillation

And finally, a few words about prevention. Prevention of atrial fibrillation is the observance of the basics of a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition with a restriction of fats and an increase in the content of fish and seafood, vegetables, fruits, vegetable oils. Active motor mode, every day a walk in the fresh air, physical exercise. Maintaining a normal weight throughout life, eliminating bad habits (alcohol and smoking). These well-known measures will help to maintain normal heart function for many years and prevent the development of atrial fibrillation.

What is atrial fibrillation of the heart

The medical secrets that the human heart, as an organ, hides in itself, have not yet been fully revealed by any scientist. That is why it is cardiac pathology that is becoming the most common worldwide. It is also the main cause of death. Among many heart diseases, a special place belongs to rhythm disturbances. 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 Heart Rate Maintenance

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 tendency of the heart to automatism and absolute self-regulation. This means that it can shrink 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 is overstretched, gradually losing the ability to contract. This mechanism of contractility of the heart is called isometric.

Another important point in 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 these is the sinoatrial node. It creates such excitations that, under normal conditions, inhibit any similar processes in other structures of the conducting system. Because of this, he is called the master pacemaker. It is on these principles that a heart pacemaker is installed with atrial fibrillation.

The regulation of the activity of this system is carried out with the participation of neurohumoral factors. The first are possible due to sympathetic innervation, which provides an increase in the frequency of heart contractions, and parasympathetic - reduces them. Humoral influences are carried out by adrenaline, noradrenaline, hormones of the thyroid gland and the 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.

Facets of norm and pathology: definition of atrial fibrillation of the heart

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 activity, it changes in the direction of acceleration. This condition is called tachycardia. It can be not only physiological, but also pathological, if it occurs at rest or during exercise for no apparent reason and persists for a long time, requiring medical correction. Similar conditions can occur in the case of a paroxysmal form, if the diet is not followed with atrial fibrillation of the heart.

Atrial fibrillation refers to one of the types of pathological tachycardia. The main mechanism of its occurrence is the appearance of an ectopic (additional) focus, which generates nerve impulses with a high frequency (120-220 / min.). The distribution of most of them only to the atria is characteristic. The ventricles may contract at a normal or increased rate. It 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 part of its impulses also passes 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 arrhythmia, manifested by an increase in the frequency of atrial contractions more than 120 / min, their inferiority, with or without a possible change in the total number of heartbeats.

Etiological factors in the development of the disease

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

Chronic myocardial ischemia;
Acute myocardial infarction and postinfarction cardiosclerosis;
Myocarditis of various types and origins;
Cardiomyopathy of all kinds;
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 intoxications;
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 a violation of metabolic processes or directly the structure of excitable heart tissues, which leads to a violation 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 of the heart.

Clinical manifestations and types of the disease

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

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

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

When examining such patients, pallor or slight cyanosis (cyanosis) of the skin, pastosity and swelling of the legs, and an increase in the size of the heart may attract attention. But the most important symptoms of atrial fibrillation of the heart can be obtained by examining the pulse and auscultation. At the same time, their dissociation with each other is detected, manifested by a deficit of the pulse on the radial artery compared to the heart rate. The irregularity and irregularity of the heart rhythm with different intervals between contractions is also determined. At the same time, their overall frequency can be normal, increased or even reduced, which depends on the localization of the focus of arrhythmia and its strength.

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

By clinical course

Heart rhythm disturbances (atrial fibrillation)

work of the heart

The heart is an extremely 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. In response to an increase in the need of any organ or the whole organism for nutrition, 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 first contract, ejecting the blood that has entered them from the veins. Blood enters the ventricles of the heart. Contraction of the ventricles (systole) ejects blood into the arteries.

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

The coordination of the work of the heart is provided 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. Then the signal spreads to the remaining atria, causing them to contract, then to the ventricles.

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

What are arrhythmias

The contractions of the heart follow each other at regular intervals. If this sequence is violated, they say that the patient has an arrhythmia. Depending on where the violations occur, all arrhythmias are divided into atrial(or supraventricular) and ventricular.

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

The patient can detect the presence of arrhythmia in himself. To do this, you need to learn how 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: symptoms and its treatment. A dangerous illness can provoke the occurrence of a blood clot in the atrium, which subsequently leads to a stroke. Often this type of arrhythmia is fatal, so it needs to be recognized and treated faster.

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation of the heart

Specialists distinguish the following forms of atrial fibrillation:

Permanent is characterized by a long-term attack that lasts more than a week.
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation resolves on its own, after 2 days.
Persistent atrial fibrillation is different in that it requires the intervention of doctors to stop it.

In many cases, this insidious disease is discovered by chance during an ECG. Patients with flickering arrhythmia notice increased frequency, interruptions in the heartbeat, they even have shortness of breath with little physical exertion. An attack of atrial fibrillation brings with it a pulsation in the veins located on the neck, a feeling of fear, increased sweating, weakness and other symptoms. When the heart rhythm is restored, all signs disappear. Rhythm fluctuations may cause nausea and vomiting.

Causes of the disease

Causes related to the heart and its work:

elevated blood pressure;
ailments in the heart arteries;
valvular heart disease;
congenital heart defects;
the consequences of operations carried out on the body;
heart failure is both a cause and a complication;
inflammation of the walls of the heart;
tumors in the body;

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

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

Treatment of atrial fibrillation at home

When a person has 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, malfunctions in its work can be fatal. Examination, consultations with a doctor will help to identify the cause of the onset 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:

Decoction of hawthorn:

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

Cooking:

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

Motherwort tea:

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

Cooking:

Take dry grass, pour boiling water over it. Steep tea for about 15 minutes.
The drink must be consumed warm, 1 tbsp. l. 3-4 times a day before meals.

Herbal collection:

Ingredients:

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

Application:

Take all the ingredients in equal amounts, grind in a coffee grinder.
Pour boiling water over 2 tbsp. mixture placed in a bowl. Boil the product for 10 minutes.
It is not necessary to filter it, immediately move it to a thermos and leave to infuse for 6-8 hours.
Atrial fibrillation treatment with folk remedies involves the use of this drug before meals for half a glass.

drugs

Relief of atrial fibrillation through drug treatment should occur according to the doctor's prescriptions, among drugs, the following are common:

"Atenolol":

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

"Kordaron":

Ingredients: amiodarone hydrochloride.
Action: relieves pain, helps to reduce pressure and rhythm of the organ, maintain an adequate pulse, fights paroxysm of arrhythmia.
Price: 314 rubles.

"Digoxin":

Active ingredient: digoxin.
Use: contributes to the normalization of the number of heart contractions, facilitates the work of the heart, eliminates swelling and shortness of breath.
Price: 53 p.

"Aspirin":

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

Operation

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

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) involves the introduction of electrodes into the heart through the femoral or subclavian vein. The operation requires local anesthesia, does not have a large force of injury.
When a pacemaker is implanted, a special device is introduced that is able to restore 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 apparatus. 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 pills and lifestyle, but also on the disease that caused the arrhythmia. In addition, the occurrence of a stroke, its severity, the degree of development of complications, such as heart failure, will affect the prognosis.

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 is revealed even better and more clearly to a simple patient on the pages of reference books, Internet sites. From the video below, you can learn that the presence of this disease does not mean at all that a sentence has been signed for you, 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, therefore it is impossible to delay its treatment.

General characteristics of the disease

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

Pathology is accompanied by frequent and chaotic atrial contractions. Some complexes of atrial muscle fibers may experience twitches and fibrillations, that is, the synchrony of their work is disturbed.

According to statistics, 1-2% of people suffer from atrial fibrillation, but these are generalized figures. The prevalence of 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, a rapid progress of chronic circulatory failure is possible.

Disease classification

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

First discovered. Such a diagnosis is made to the patient if atrial fibrillation manifested itself for the first time.
Paroxysmal. This variety is also called transient. The duration of the attack is no more than 2 days, occasionally lasts up to 7 days. Restoration of sinus rhythm occurs spontaneously. An attack can be stopped with medication, but sometimes it goes away on its own.
Persistent. With this type of violation, the attack lasts more than 7 days. In this case, it is possible to stop only with medication or by defibrillation of the heart. 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 to return the 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 asymptomatic course of the disease.
Class II implies mild symptoms in the absence of disruption of habitual life activity.
Class III is characterized by severe symptoms when there is a change in daily activities.
Class IV symptoms are termed disabling because the patient is incapable of normal daily activities.

Atrial arrhythmias may present with flutter or flicker. The first option means that the 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 atrial contraction.

Causes

The risk of onset of atrial fibrillation is very high for people over 40 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;
underwent heart surgery.

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

Atrial fibrillation can be triggered by other factors:

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

Atrial fibrillation may be the result of Graves' disease (diffuse toxic goiter), alcohol poisoning, neuropsychic overstrain, hypokalemia (lack of potassium in the body). Such a pathology can also be caused by intoxication with certain drugs, in particular adrenostimulants or cardiac glycosides.

Sometimes even the most thorough diagnosis does not help to identify the cause of the violations. Such 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 heart palpitations and discomfort in the chest, which can manifest itself as pain. The following signs indicate the occurrence of heart failure:

weakness;
dizziness;
dyspnea;
faintness or fainting.

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

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

Atrial fibrillation is accompanied by an arrhythmic pulse. Sometimes there is a deficiency, that is, the indicator at the top of the heart exceeds the numbers measured on the wrist. This is due to the fact that against the background of a frequent ventricular rhythm, the stroke volume of the left ventricle is not enough to make a peripheral venous wave.

Diagnostics

Atrial fibrillation can be diagnosed already on a physical examination. Palpation of the peripheral pulse reveals the disorder of the rhythm with tension.

Auscultation of the heart determines the lack of rhythm of its tones, 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. The date of the primary manifestation of the pathology, its duration, is important. Be sure to consider risk factors.

The following studies are important for diagnosis:

Electrocardiography. It allows you to confirm the diagnosis according to certain signs. Daily monitoring is important - monitoring by the Holter method. This is required to control the heart rate and clarify the diagnosis. Conducting tests with physical activity makes it possible to identify signs of myocardial ischemia and choose the right antiarrhythmic drug.
Echocardiography. This study is based on ultrasound scanning. Diagnostics makes it possible to find out the parameters of the organ cavities, to detect the presence of intracardiac thrombi, to assess 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. Such a study allows you to visualize the heart in great detail.
Transesophageal electrocardiography helps to 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, to prevent recurrence of pathology attacks. It is important to control the heart rate and to prevent thromboembolism.

Conservative therapy

"Novocainamide" and "Amiodarone" help to stop an attack of atrial fibrillation. These drugs have an antiarrhythmic effect, are used orally and intravenously. For internal use, Quinidine and Propafenone are also used. 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 resorted to. Such drugs are prescribed individually, taking into account the characteristics of the course of the disease and the existing contraindications. When taking vitamin K antagonists, the patient needs constant laboratory monitoring of blood parameters (mainly for clotting), on the basis of which the dosage is adjusted.

If an arrhythmia attack lasts more than 48 hours, then the risk of thrombosis increases significantly. To prevent thromboembolic complication allows taking "Warfarin". This drug is an indirect anticoagulant.

With atrial fibrillation, it is important to reduce the heart rate. For this, they resort to β-blockers and calcium channel blockers. These drugs cause a slowing of the heartbeat by preventing the rapid contraction of its ventricles.

In atrial fibrillation, it is important to keep the heart rate at 60 beats per minute. This effect is achieved with the help of the following groups of drugs:

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

Often, Digoxin (a digitalis drug), Propranolol (β-blocker), Verapamil (antiarrhythmic, slow calcium channel blocker) are chosen from the groups of such drugs. Such therapy is prescribed taking into account the patient's concomitant diseases. In some cases, treatment must be carried out in a hospital to control changes in heart rate and body response.

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

Over time, the effect of taking an antiarrhythmic drug may decrease. In most cases, experts prefer the appointment of several funds of this group.

With repeated attacks of atrial fibrillation, they resort to a method called "Pill in your pocket" The specialist selects a drug that has proven itself in inpatient treatment. This approach allows you to stop the attack without waiting for hospitalization. Most often, for such purposes, "Propanorm" ("Propafenone") is prescribed. 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 every day, and this should be done every time at the same time. The dosage is selected individually depending on the characteristics of the pathology and the weight of the patient.

Drugs for the treatment of atrial fibrillation in most cases have serious contraindications. Only a specialist has the right to prescribe the intake of specific drugs 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 to the patient 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. For this, an intracardiac cardiogram is recorded and an arrhythmia is provoked using special tests.

After determining the arrhythmogenic site, radiofrequency energy is directed to it by means of an electrode. After a short period of time (usually 20 minutes), the success of the intervention is checked by an electrophysiological study. If the results are satisfactory, then the operation is completed. After removing the catheters, a pressure bandage is applied to the puncture sites.

Catheter ablation is attractive because of its rapid recovery. The patient needs strict bed rest only for the first 12 hours after the operation. At this time, it is necessary to lie on your back and not bend your knees.

Artificial pacemaker

Maintaining a normal heartbeat with atrial fibrillation can be done with the help of an artificial pacemaker, also called a pacemaker. Such surgery is considered small.

The patient is given local anesthesia. Cut only the skin and subcutaneous tissue, without affecting 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 a 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 pulses at a set interval. Under their influence, the myocardium contracts, which provides the necessary rhythm.

Such an operation is less traumatic. The outer shell of the device is made of an alloy that is extremely rarely rejected by the body.

Diet

With atrial fibrillation, you should reconsider your eating habits. It is important to observe the ratio of BJU, it should be 4: 1: 3. The diet should contain the necessary volume and trace elements.

Patients need to reduce the amount of salt. It is not necessary to refuse it completely, but salt the dishes moderately.

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

With atrial fibrillation, there should be no bad habits. From and should be abandoned completely or as much as possible to limit them.

ethnoscience

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

A decoction of viburnum. It must be prepared from berries. The fruits are harvested after the first frost and poured 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 remedy should be a teaspoon in the morning and before lunch.
Dill decoction. It is prepared from seeds. Drink a decoction before meals, a third of a glass three times a day.
An effective decoction of flowers of lily of the valley, valerian and hawthorn. The components must be taken in a ratio of 2: 1: 1.
Hawthorn tea with rose hips (1:1) is useful. This drug thins the blood.

Possible complications, prognosis

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

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

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

Atrial fibrillation can turn into ventricular fibrillation, which, in turn, is fraught with cardiac arrest.

The prognosis for atrial fibrillation largely depends on the severity of the disease of the cardiovascular system that caused such a 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 - 23%.

In every sixth case of a stroke, a 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 in the active treatment of diseases that carry the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Particular attention deserves arterial hypertension and heart failure.

A healthy lifestyle is important, including a proper diet and sufficient physical activity. For example, bad habits should be abandoned. The 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 was at least one manifestation of atrial fibrillation, then secondary prevention is necessary. Its main goal is to prevent the recurrence of pathology.

For this, drug therapy or cardiac surgery can be used. The patient must stop drinking alcohol, limit physical and mental stress.

Video about atrial fibrillation

The danger of pathology, risk factors, diagnosis and therapy is described in this TV show:

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

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

The survey shows that only 33% of people with MA believe that they have a serious illness. However, if this pathology is “shrugged off” or treated inadequately, then this can lead to a serious complication - a stroke. How to protect yourself from this? What to do with 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 that occurs 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 MA, when the heart rate accelerates and becomes irregular, there is an imbalance in the work of the atria and ventricles. The pumping function of the heart suffers - they are thrown out
insufficient blood volumes.

Palpitations - the feeling that the heart "jumps", "trembles", beats too fast or too hard - these are the most characteristic signs of an atrial fibrillation attack.

Such sensations, lasting more than 30 seconds, should suggest that “not everything is in order” with the heart.

Other symptoms of an attack of atrial fibrillation are 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 tightness in the chest.

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

Symptoms to be concerned about

For a person who suffers from atrial fibrillation, a rule should be developed that says: 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. This is due to the fact that with this arrhythmia there is a high risk of the formation of blood clots in the chambers of the heart, which can move to other parts of the arterial bed and block the vessels.

Cerebral stroke is one of the most formidable complications of atrial fibrillation. It was noted that it often occurs with prolonged attacks, or when their frequency increases.

There is a “rule of thumb” for people with atrial fibrillation: if an 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 is growing every hour.

Symptoms that signal a more serious situation

After the restoration of the heart rhythm, at discharge, the doctor will recommend further use of antiarrhythmic drugs in order 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. Usually this is warfarin.

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

What can be done at home

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

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

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

Eat some bananas. Atrial fibrillation can be triggered by a lack of potassium. This is quite often observed with an excess of table salt in the diet. This trace element is also abundant in tomatoes, prunes and oranges. However, you should stay away from the juices from these products, as they can contain high 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. .

But care should be taken that another cation, namely calcium, is not part of the bath salts.

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

To learn how to properly perform the "belly breathing" technique, see 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, they require relief. Long-lasting atrial fibrillation is dangerous with complications - the development of a cerebral stroke, blockage of the coronary arteries, intestinal vessels and other organs.

It is impossible to ignore arrhythmia, this can lead to serious consequences for health, disability and even death.

Heart disease causes

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

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

High blood pressure. Hypertension makes the heart work harder. A significant flow of blood enters the vessels. From exorbitant load, the heart muscle stretches, increases in size and, naturally, weakens. This condition provokes violations of the sinus nodes and conduction bundles.
arterial disease. All components of the system need a constantly flowing blood. It is through the arteries that oxygen moves. In connection with diseases, the normal supply is disturbed, the function is performed poorly.
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, part of the blood returns to the atria again. Here it mixes with venous. As a result, the walls and volume of the atria increase. And this leads to a weakening of the heart and deterioration of its functioning.
Surgical interventions. In a person who has undergone heart surgery, conductive fibers may be damaged and scar tissue may form. By replacing unique cells, it causes impulses to take other paths.
Heart failure. The disease can be the cause, or it can become a consequence of the disease. Overtired from hypertension or vice, the heart works much worse. The automatism of the muscle is completely broken.
Myocarditis and pericarditis. These diseases are characterized by inflammation of the walls of the heart. Naturally, as a result, conductivity suffers. Signals sent by the sinus node or the nervous system are ignored by the heart departments.
Tumors. These formations disrupt functioning. As a result, heart tumors do not conduct the necessary impulses. And, of course, provoke serious violations.

non-cardiac reasons

The disease can be triggered by other factors. Therefore, if any of the following is characteristic of you, and periodically you feel interruptions in the work of the heart, 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, amphetamine can provoke not only this disease, but also serious heart damage.

Stress. Any nervous shocks provoke discord in the work of the nervous system. And this directly affects the rhythm of the heart. Another disadvantage is the increased content of adrenaline, which causes more frequent strokes.
Caffeine. It is no secret that excessive use of this substance causes a rapid heart rate. It is worth noting that strong tea contains a decent dose of caffeine.
Physical exercise. Strengthened work of the muscular system requires additional blood flow. It is noted that in such cases, the heart speeds up its rhythm twice. Sometimes the conducting system simply does not have time to coordinate the correct work.
Taking medication. Some drugs (atropine, adrenaline, diuretics) disrupt the balance of trace elements involved in creating an impulse.
Diseases of the thyroid gland. An increase in the levels of hormones characteristic of hyperthyroidism significantly increases the number of heart beats. And this leads to an irregular rhythm.
Viral diseases. An increase in temperature causes an acceleration of the pulse. 1 degree increases the 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. Various diets or the wrong approach to diet can deplete vital potassium, magnesium and calcium from the body. The lack of such elements disrupts the automatism of the heart. As a result, the impulse may not be formed and not conducted.
Lung diseases. Problems with the respiratory system often cause oxygen starvation. This is bad enough for the heart. As a rule, a lack of oxygen leads to the formation of uneven pulses.
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 lack of oxygen. As a result, their functioning is disrupted.

Types of atrial fibrillation

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

There are such forms:

recurrent. This diagnosis is made after several attacks.
Paroxysmal. This form is characterized by spontaneous recovery of the 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 very long, usually about one year.
Constant. Diagnosed with 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 carry out 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 at all. However, the opposite symptomatology can also be observed. Slow heartbeat may be characterized by atrial fibrillation. The symptoms and treatment of this form varies. Therefore, it is 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 in the eyes;
increased sweating, nausea;
irregular heartbeat, sometimes pulse deficit;
anxiety, panic, fear of death;
increased urination (associated with increased pressure).

Keep in mind that patient complaints vary. Symptoms of the disease depend on the degree of violation, on the individual characteristics of the patient. Some cases are generally asymptomatic. Only during the examination, as a rule, for a completely different reason, a violation of the rhythm is revealed.

Carefully! First attack

The disease increases the risk of a possible stroke, the development of heart failure. So 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, for the first time feeling a violation of the rhythm, to call an ambulance. As a rule, the patient is offered hospitalization. If the attack occurred for the first time, it is recommended not to refuse the hospital. Indeed, in the hospital, an effective treatment for such a serious disease as atrial fibrillation will be selected much faster. Tablets "Kordaron" ("Amiocordin" or "Amiadarone") allow you to interrupt the attack. This drug is recognized worldwide as the best antiarrhythmic drug. But, unfortunately, the medicine works only not in all cases - only in 60%.

If the attack that caused atrial fibrillation is not stopped, treatment (Kordaron tablets, as already noted, are not always effective) consists in cardioversion. This is electrical impulse therapy. The patient is given anesthesia and the heart rhythm is restored. They hold him with the help of the same "Kordaron".

In the presence of thyroid diseases, 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, there is no question of a threat to life. That is why tablet preparations or intravenous droppers are initially used. And only in case of ineffectiveness of such means, electropulse therapy is prescribed.

Medical treatment

The attack can end as suddenly as it started. Sometimes it goes away in a few minutes. But it happens that its duration is calculated in hours, and sometimes 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. The tactics are aimed at restoring, followed by maintenance, sinus rhythm, preventing the recurrence of attacks, strict control of the heart rate and prevention of blood clots.

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

"quinidine";
"Novocainamide";
"Kordaron";
"Propanorm".

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

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

If a chronic form of the disease is diagnosed, doctors recommend taking permanently prescribed adrenergic blockers. In this case, it is 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.

For recurring attacks, doctors consider more drastic methods. Treatment of atrial fibrillation of a permanent form often consists in the implantation of a pacemaker.

Surgical intervention

Initially, doctors try to stabilize the patient's condition with drugs. If there are no positive results, doctors are considering more serious, which needs atrial fibrillation, treatment. The operation becomes the only chance to overcome the disease. Today, there are several types of surgical intervention.

catheter ablation. This method is considered low-traumatic, since it does not require large incisions. As a rule, permanent atrial fibrillation leads to surgical intervention. Treatment starts with research. And only by identifying the zones that provoke rhythm disturbance, the doctor destroys the cells that cause atrial fibrillation. The operation is performed under local anesthesia. As a rule, the intervention occurs through the subclavian vein.
Pacemaker implantation. In some cases, the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation consists in the installation of a special medical device. Only in this way it is possible to restore the normal rhythm of heart contractions. The functions of the pacemaker may be to reduce only the atrium or in combination with the ventricles. Most modern devices are very easily adapted to all human needs. So, when the patient is active, the device can accelerate the rhythm in order to provide the necessary blood flow to the muscles and lungs.

Of course, a pacemaker brings many benefits. It will not only improve the condition, but also allow you to become more resilient. At the same time, 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 take bans on:

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

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

Folk methods

Achieving two main goals can stabilize a disease such as atrial fibrillation. Treatment with folk remedies fully takes them into account. It is about restoring a normal rhythm and maintaining it, thereby eliminating the risk of a new attack. Various medicinal herbs are used for this purpose. It is important to understand what combines the treatment of atrial fibrillation drugs (drugs) 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, improve the functioning of the arteries and the heart. The active substances found in abundance in hawthorn help to 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 pulses. Thus, the arrhythmia is significantly reduced.

Motherwort. An amazing plant allows you to lower blood pressure, fights the formation of blood clots, perfectly calms the nervous system. By improving the functioning of the vessels that feed the heart, it stabilizes the rhythm. One tablespoon of a mixture of dry grass is poured with a glass of boiling water. After 15 minutes, the infusion is completely ready. You can also use the finished drug, which is sold in pharmacies. About 30-50 drops should be diluted in water. You need to take the remedy 3-4 times a day for a month.
A mixture of tinctures. 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. One bottle of each component is required. 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).

Nutrition Features

A person who has been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, alternative treatment prescribes to pay attention not only to medications and herbs, but also to take care of the right diet. There are foods that contain a large amount of vitamins, trace elements, fat-splitting substances. They should be prioritized.

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

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

Eliminate chocolate, coffee, alcohol, lard, fatty meat from your food. The intake of flour, sweet dishes, smoked meats, canned food, rich broths has a rather negative effect on the state of health.

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

Conclusion

If there is a failure in the rhythm of the pulse, interruptions in the work of the heart, do not rush to make a diagnosis yourself. Seek qualified medical assistance. And even if you have an ailment, do 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 way of life, they will protect against the unpleasant consequences of the disease.