Question 1

can atrial fibrillation be psychosomatic?

Accepted Answer

Not exactly: Stress can increase your adrenaline which can precipitate a.Fib, but usually the heart has to have an enlarged atrium or valvular heart disease in addition to the stress.

Question 2

is atrial fibrillation hereditary?

Accepted Answer

No: Congenital heart problems can be inherited and this can lead to afib. But afib itself is not.

Question 3

is atrial fibrillation a disability?

Accepted Answer

It can be: If afib is difficult to treat ie unable to convert patient to normal rythm or unable to slow rate down with medicines, or perhapse the patient can't tolerate the medications to treat the problem , a person can be disabled. Pts with pre existing heart problems may not tolerate afib as well. Ablation therapy is not always effective and some patients may need a pacemaker. Just depends on pt

Question 4

why is atrial fibrillation dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Cva, mi: 1 -  if the rate goes too fast...This can become a problem
2 - more commonly, when they beat so erratically, it gives an opportunity for the blood to clot in the atria, and then when that clot is pushed into the ventricles it can be pushed into the circulation where it may cause an mi or cva.

Question 5

can an atrial fibrillation be lethal?

Accepted Answer

Yes: When the heart is in atrial fibrillation, it causes blood to clot in the chambers of the heart.  These clots can flow out of the heart and cause strokes.  Strokes can be lethal.  Doctors sometimes put people on a blood thinner called warfarin (coumadin) to help prevent clots in people with atrial fib.  It's a serious condition, but manageable!  cheers!

Question 6

what is atrial fibrillation a symptom of?

Accepted Answer

It depends: Atrial fibrillation is an irregular rhythm in which the atria beat at nearly 400 beats/min. It is common in older patients as a reflection of aging of the conduction system. In younger patients it can be caused by alcohol and drug abuse. It can also occur when the heart dilates as in congestive heart failure. The abnormal contractions put patients at risk for blood clots which may cause strokes.

Question 7

what is the effect of atrial fibrillation?

Accepted Answer

Heart rate / stroke: Two issues with afib.  The first is stroke.  Afib is a risk for stroke, and thus all patients with afib need some sort of blood thinner.  Whether that is an Aspirin or full anticoagulants such as Coumadin (warfarin) depends on your risks and your doctor will let you know that.  The second is heart rate.   If the afib is too fast or too slow, the rate will need to be treated also.

Question 8

how is atrial fibrillation usually treated?

Accepted Answer

Slow down the heart: Beta blockers and digoxin are often used first  to slow down the heart when there is rapid heart rate of af.  In some patients, electric shocks can be utilized to convert the irregular rate of af to normal.  In most all cases, blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin) and new drugs like Pradaxa are utilized to reduce the risk of blood clots forming inside the heart and causing complications such as strokes.

Question 9

what are the tests for atrial fibrillation?

Accepted Answer

Electrocardiogram: If the atrial fibrillation is ongoing then an electrocardiogram will show it.  If it only occurs from time to time, then there are different types of monitors that a patient can use at home to record the heart rhythm; this is another type of electrocardiogram sometimes referred to as an event recorder.

Question 10

what sort of problem is atrial fibrillation?

Accepted Answer

Atrial fibrillation: When the upper chambers (atria) stop contracting due to electrical chaos, the lower chambers (ventricles) beat rapidly and irregularly. A person with af may be unaware, aware, or very bothered. If other risk factors are present, the risk of blood clots and stroke may be increased. Treatment involves rate control, anticoagulation, and restoration of normal rhythm - all individualized for each pt, .

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Can atrial fibrillation be psychosomatic

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Can atrial fibrillation be psychosomatic?

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Can an atrial fibrillation be lethal?

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What is atrial fibrillation a symptom of?

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How is atrial fibrillation usually treated?

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What sort of problem is atrial fibrillation?

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