Atrial Fibrillation

Ayurvedic Care Of Atrial Fibrillation (also called AFib)

About Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular or quivery heartbeat occurs when electrical impulses fire off from different places in the atria in a disorganised way. It is the most common type of heart arrhythmia can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. With AFib, the two upper chambers of your heart (atria) are affected. This disrupts blood flow to the ventricles or the lower chambers, and then throughout the rest of your body.

Ocassionally, atrial fibrillation goes away on its own. For some people, atrial fibrillation is an ongoing heart problem that lasts for many years. Over time, it may happen more often and last longer. But with proper medical care, you can live a normal, active life. AFib is common in adults over age of 65.

TYPES OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION CAN BE:

Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia. There are four main types of atrial fibrillation Such as:

1. Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: In Persistent atrial fibrillation your heart rhythm doesn’t go back to normal on its own. If you have persistent atrial fibrillation, you’ll need treatment such as an electrical shock or medications in order to restore your heart rhythm.
2. Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: It may pass without symptoms or some symtoms that come and go. It usually lasting less than 24 hours, but may last up to a week. Sometimes symptoms might go away on their own or you may need treatment.
3. Long-term Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: With this condition, the abnormal heart rhythms continuous and lasts longer than 12 months.
4. Permanent Atrial Fibrillation: In this condition the abnormal heart rhythm can’t be restored.You’ll have atrial fibrillation permanently, and you’ll often require medications to control your heart rate and to prevent blood clots.

Causes Of Atrial Fibrillation

The cause of atrial fibrillation isn’t always known. Conditions that can cause damage to the heart and lead to atrial fibrillation include:

• Coronary artery disease.
• High blood pressure.
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• Congestive heart failure.
• Heart valve disease.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, in which the heart muscle becomes thick.
• Binge drinking.
• Thyroid disease.
• Changes in electrical signaling.
• Taking certain medications.
• Heart surgery.

Risk Factors Of Atrial Fibrillation

While the exact cause of AFib isn’t always known, there are some factors that may put you at a higher risk for this condition :

• Increased age, especially after age 65
• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease
• Heart inflammation
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Drinking alcohol, especially binge drinking
• Metabolic syndrome
• Thyroid conditions

Signs & Symptoms Of Atrial Fibrillation

The most common symptom of atrial fibrillation is fatigue. Other signs and symptoms include:

• Heart palpitations
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Low blood pressure
• Dizziness and Fainting
• Intolerance to exercise

  These symptoms can come and go based on the severity of your condition.