In recent days the mass media (media) is devoting considerable space and time to cardiovascular diseases. The reason was the health of a well-known Greek artist who was initially hospitalized in a neurological clinic due to a stroke and later transferred to the cardiology clinic due to atrial fibrillation (KM).
But what is atrial fibrillation?Is it a life-threatening arrhythmia? And after all, what is arrhythmia? To all these questions, the Hellenic Society of Cardiology strives to answer in a simple and understandable way and to enlighten the general public.
What is arrhythmia?Whenever the heart contracts in an irregular way, with a fast or slow frequency we have arrhythmia. Even the normal acceleration of the heart rate when exercising constitutes a kind of arrhythmia. So we understand that the term arrhythmia is very general and includes any change in the rhythm or frequency of contraction of the heart, even the simple justified tachycardia of exercise.
What is atrial fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation is a cardiovascular condition that can cause an irregular heartbeat.
It comes from the verb “marmariro” which means “shine by sparkling” and has the meaning of unorganized, inefficient contraction of the myocardium. When the ventricles are fibrillated we have ventricular fibrillation which leads to cardiac arrest because the ineffective contraction of the ventricular myocardium does not expel blood into the circulation whereas when the atria fibrillate we have atrial fibrillation which results in an ineffective contraction of the atria.
Usually atrial fibrillation is not fatal like ventricular fibrillation. Sometimes it can be felt as a “flutter” in the chest and is usually not life-threatening, but it can lead to stroke and other complications related to cardiovascular health, especially if left untreated.
Symptoms and causes of atrial fibrillation.
Some people notice symptoms such as palpitations or shortness of breath, but many of the people who have CM do not know it due to the absence of symptoms and their condition is only detectable with a medical examination.
Others may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
• General fatigue
• Fast and irregular heartbeats
• Flutters or “bumps” in the chest
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath and anxiety
• Weakness
• Fainting or confusion
• Fatigue during exercise
• Sweat
• Pain or pressure in the chest (This is a medical emergency. If this happens call 166 for Greece, 112 for Cyprus.)
But it is important to understand what happens during atrial fibrillation. Blood circulates in our body in a certain repetitive way. It enters the heart, continues its journey to the lungs to be oxygenated and, now rich in oxygen, ends up in the tissues and organs of the body. The heart is the pump that, working properly, sends oxygen-rich blood to our vital organs. The heart cavities must contract in a coordinated way to allow blood flow from the atria to the ventricles and from the heart to the periphery to maintain an adequate supply of oxygenated blood to our body.
When our heart is in atrial fibrillation, the muscle cells of the sinuses tremble instead of contracting in an organized way, which can leave some of the blood stagnating inside the atria.
When blood stagnates clots can form, and when these clots come out into the circulation, they can cause embolic episodes. When the embolic episode occurs in the brain, an ischemic stroke is caused. Of course, not every patient with atrial fibrillation has a stroke, but it is almost five times more likely. Insufficient blood flow can also cause chronic fatigue and eventually heart failure. But there are people who have atrial fibrillation all their lives, and it does not bother them and does not have serious complications. It is important to check with your doctor about whether you are the person at increased risk of MS and to check with your doctor if you are the person at increased risk of complications.
Identification of risks from KM
Are you at risk for atrial fibrillation? Any person can develop atrial fibrillation. Because the likelihood of developing MS increases with age and people live longer today, researchers predict that the number of cases of atrial fibrillation will increase dramatically in the coming years. Although KM clearly increases the risks of heart-related death and stroke, many people do not fully recognize the potentially serious consequences.
Who is at higher risk?People who have one or more of the following conditions are usually at higher risk for MS:
- Advanced age: The number of adults who develop KM increases significantly with older age. KM in children is rare, but it can happen.
- High blood pressure: Long-term, uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of MS.
- Underlying heart disease: Includes anyone with heart disease, including valvular disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, acute coronary syndrome, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, and a history of heart attack. In addition, KM is the most common complication after heart surgery.
- Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption (drinking five drinks in two hours for men or four drinks for women) can put you at higher risk of MS.
- Family history: Having a family member with Atrial Fibrillation increases the chances of manifesting KM.
- Sleep apnea: Although sleep apnea has not been shown to cause CM, studies show a strong relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and KM.
Often, treating apnea can improve KM.
- Athletes: KM is common in athletes and can be caused by a fast heart rate called supraventricular tachycardia.
- Other chronic diseases: People with hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, asthma and other chronic medical problems are also at risk.
Know your therapeutic goals
The therapeutic goals of atrial fibrillation begin with the correct diagnosis through a thorough medical examination. The examination usually includes questions about the individual history and an electrocardiogram. Some patients may need a thorough electrophysiological study.
Prevention and risk reduction.
Although no one can guarantee that a stroke or a clot can be prevented, there is a way to reduce the risk.
After someone is diagnosed with MS, ideal goals include:
• Restoring the heart to a normal rhythm (called rhythm control)
• Reducing excessively high heart rates (called rhythm control)
• Prevention of blood clots
• Management of risk factors for stroke
• Prevention of additional heart rhythm problems
• Prevention of heart failure
The Hellenic Society of Cardiology recommends adopting lifestyle changes, including the following:
• Regular physical activity
• Healthy diet low in salt, saturated fat and trans fat
• Treatment and treatment of arterial hypertension
• Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine
• Avoiding smoking
• Cholesterol control
• Maintaining a healthy weight
Professor of Cardiology
President of the Hellenic Society of Cardiology
