Understanding Atrial Fibrillation and Its Risks

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common heart rhythm disorders and involves an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm. It affects millions of people across the globe, and if untreated, it could lead to very serious health conditions.As a multispecialty healthcare facility, Sugam Hospital likely offers a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating atrial fibrillation.

What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

The heart of a healthy individual needs an effective and coordinated electrical system to pump blood efficiently. This system controls both the atria and ventricles in a synchronized rhythm. Any disruption, however, can lead to arrhythmias or other cardiac problems, which often require specialized care. For example, during atrial fibrillation, improper electrical signals arrive at the top chambers of your heart, the atria, causing quivering rather than normal contractions. That leads to a rapid and abnormal heartbeat. If this happens to you or your relatives, see our expert Heart specialist doctor in Chennai for treatment and care.

Kinds Of Atrial Fibrillation

The different kinds of atrial fibrillation are classified based on duration and frequency: 

Paroxysmal AFib Episodes come and go. They are typically less than 24 hours up to a week. It can resolve spontaneously or with intervention. 

• Persistent AFib : It lasts more than seven days. The medical treatment must restore the normal rhythm. 
• Long-standing Persistent AFib: The arrhythmia lasts for more than a year. It needs more-intensive management.
• Permanent AFib: A state in which the normal sinus rhythm is irreversible and not attempted to be recovered.

Types Of AFib

Providers classify atrial fibrillation based on how long the Afib episodes last.

• Paroxysmal AFib: episodes last less than one week and usually go away on their own without treatment. People can still feel unwell during these short periods of Afib, and people with paroxysmal Afib still have a higher risk of stroke than those without Afib at a. Paroxysmal Afib can progress to persistent Afib depending on your risk factors.
• Persistent AFib: episodes last more than one week and generally need specialized treatment to either slow the heart rate down or break the Afib back to normal sinus rhythm.
• Long-term persistent AFib: lasts more than a year and can be difficult to treat.
• Permanent AFib: describes long-term Afib that hasn’t been responsive to attempts at breaking and staying out of Afib.

How Is Afib Diagnosed?

To diagnose atrial fibrillation, your healthcare provider will first ask you some questions. They’ll ask about what you eat, your physical activity, biological family history, any symptoms you’ve noticed and risk factors. Your provider will then give you a physical exam that includes:

Listening to your heart rhythm with a stethoscope.

• Taking your pulse and blood pressure.
• Checking the size of your thyroid gland to look for thyroid problems.
• Looking for swelling in your feet or legs to identify heart failure.
• Listening to your lungs to detect heart failure or infection.

This exam will help your provider understand your baseline health and how your body is functioning.

Treatment At Sugam Hospital

Diagnosis

• ECG: In case of irregular heartbeat.
• Echo: To observe the heart’s working.
• Blood Tests: To find other health conditions related.
• Medications: Regulate the heart rate, correct the rhythm, and prevent blood clotting.

Electric Shock Treatment: Reset The Heartbeat.

Ablation: Fix the electrical signals of the heart with minimal invasion. Prevention & Follow-up

Lifestyle advice: Healthy eating habits, keep your body fit, reduce stress.

Periodical follow-up of heart health.

Sugam Hospital treats AFib through expert care along with advanced equipment and experienced doctors.

Atrial fibrillation is a manageable condition if diagnosed and treated promptly. Knowing its causes, symptoms, and risks empowers individuals to take proactive steps toward better heart health. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing underlying conditions, and adhering to prescribed treatments, those with AFib can significantly reduce their risk of complications and improve their quality of life.