All You Need to Know About Atrial Fibrillation

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ABOUT DOCTOR
Interventional Cardiologist Apollo Hospitals,
Indore
Dr. Sarita Rao is a Sr. Interventional
Cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals, Indore. She is
the first female Interventional Cardiologist in
Central India. She is Fellow of American College
of Cardiology(FACC) and Fellow of European
Society of Cardiology(FESC)
For OPD Appointments Contact 91
9893925000 OPD Timing at Apollo Hospitals,
Indore 1100 AM to 400 PM Location Apollo
Hospitals, Indore Sector D Rd, Scheme No 74C,
Vijay Nagar, Indore. OPD Timing at Clinic 630
PM to 800 PM Location 303, Third Floor, Vishal
Astra, Opp. Satya Sai School, A.B Road, Indore,
MP.
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All You Need to Know About Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation generally refers to irregular
rapid heart rhythm arrhythmia, atrial
fibrillation often causes a very rapid heartbeat
that can lead to blood clots in the heart, it can
increase the risk of heart failure, stroke, heart
diseases, and many other heart-related
complications.
Atrial fibrillation is strongly associated with
other cardiovascular diseases such as coronary
artery disease Diabetes mellitus hypertension and
valvular heart disease. This is caused due to a
regular and frequent heartbeat. Catecholamine
excess, arterial ischemia, hemodynamic stress,
metabolic stress, and atrial information are some
of the factors that can promote atrial
fibrillation. During atrial fibrillation the
upper chambers of the heartbeat regularly which
is out of synchronization with the lower
chambers, however atrial fibrillation may cause
fast heartbeat, shortness of breath or weakness.
Atrial fibrillation have recurrent episodes which
may be persistent, when person with atrial
fibrillation also have problems that are related
to heart rhythm called as atrial flutter. The
treatment management of atrial fibrillation
includes medications therapies catheter
procedures which helps to block faulty heart
signals.
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Symptoms of Atrial fibrillation-
Some people with atrial fibrillation do not
notice any severe symptoms, the most common
symptoms and signs of atrial fibrillation are-

• Dizziness
• Pain In the chest
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Headache
• Reduced exercise level

The person who is having atrial fibrillation
should pay close attention to the symptoms that
occur or the severity of the symptoms, these
changes can help the doctor to provide the best
possible treatment.
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Types of Atrial fibrillation-
1) Persistent - this is a type of atrial
fibrillation in which the heart rhythm does not
get back to normal on its own, if the person has
atrial fibrillation symptoms medications or
cardioversion can be used to restore or maintain
normal heart rhythms.
2) Occasional - in this the symptoms come and go
which can usually last for a few minutes to
hours, sometimes the symptoms are the episodes
can happen repeatedly e for or as long as a week. 
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2) Occasional - in this the symptoms come and go
which can usually last for a few minutes to
hours, sometimes the symptoms are the episodes
can happen repeatedly e for or as long as a week. 
3) Long-standing persistent - this type of atrial
fibrillation is considered as continuous which
can last more than even 12 months.
4) Permanent - this is a type of atrial
fibrillation which is characterized by the
irregular rhythm of the heart which cannot be re
stood this type of medication helps to improve
and control the heart rate and to prevent blood
clots.
Causes of Atrial fibrillation-
Atrial fibrillation results from many causes
which include problems in the structure of the
heart and is the most common cause of atrial
fibrillation is the normal heart rate range is
60-100 Beats per minute,  during the episode of
atrial fibrillation the heart rate may range from
100 to 180 beats per minute, the most common
possible causes of atrial fibrillation are-
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• Heat attack
• Coronary artery disease
• Lung diseases
• High blood pressure
• Pulmonary embolism
• Past family history of atrial fibrillation
• Chronic conditions like- asthma, obesity
• Problems in heart valve
• Sleep apnea
• Any kind of physical stress due to pneumonia or
  any surgery
• Problem with heart's pacemaker
• Thyroid disease
• Viral Infections
• Overusing stimulants like caffeine tobacco and
  alcohol
• Some medications like NSAIDS, bisphosphonates 
• Congenital heart defect
• Genetics
• Sedentary lifestyle

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Common complications-
The formation of blood clots is the most
dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation
which can lead to stroke. The irregular heart
rhythm in atrial fibrillation can cause blood to
collect in the upper chambers of the heart and
the formation of clots. If the blood clots, it
can travel to the brain which can cause a stroke.
Other common complications or conditions which
can increase the risk of stroke due to atrial
fibrillation are -

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Heart failure
• Valvular heart diseases

Blood thickening medications are commonly
prescribed in people with atrial fibrillation to
prevent these blood clots and the risk of stroke.
Prevention-
The only prevention is to maintain a healthy
lifestyle which can reduce the risk of heart
diseases and also help you to prevent atrial
fibrillation, the most common tips for prevention
are -
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Eating a well balanced and nutritious diet Quit
smoking Avoid alcohol or caffeine intake Maintain
proper blood sugar level and blood
pressure Exercise daily Maintain a healthy
weight Manage stress Manage anger
Dr. Sarita Rao is one of the Top Cardiologists in
Indore and provide for all heart disease
treatment at her clinic. If you are searching the
Best heart specialist in Indore, come to dr.rao's
hrriddayam hrart care centre. Call now for an
appointment at 9893925000 or online visit for
more information - https//drsaritaraocardiologist
.com/
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