Water Pump: Atrial Fibrillation In Conjunction With Disease Treatment

     Atrial Fibrillation (AF), commonly known as AF, is a condition where the heart beats rapidly and irregularly. During AF, the two upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly and out of sync with the lower chambers, causing inefficient blood circulation to various parts of the body. This results in symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and weakness, which increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart diseases.

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

• Palpitations, irregular and fast heartbeat
• Easy fatigue, exhaustion
• Shortness of breath during physical exertion
• Decreased exercise capacity
• Chest pain or tightness
• Dizziness
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting or loss of consciousness

How Atrial Fibrillation Develops

     The heart consists of four chambers: two upper and two lower. In the upper right chamber, there is a group of cells called the Sinus Node (SA Node) that generates electrical impulses, which cause the upper chambers of the heart to contract. These impulses then pass through the Atrioventricular Node (AV Node) between the upper and lower chambers. In AF, electrical impulses are sent to the lower chambers, causing them to beat irregularly.

When these impulses exceed 350 per minute, the AV Node cannot transmit all the signals, as it can only handle up to 200 per minute. This overload results in a disruption of the heart's rhythm.

Types of AF Symptoms

AF symptoms can be categorized into three groups:

• AF due to external triggers
• AF due to other heart abnormalities
• AF due to abnormalities in the upper chambers' electrical system

Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

The aim of treating AF is to restore normal heart rhythm, control the heart rate, and prevent blood clots.

1.  AF caused by external triggers

This type of AF is triggered by external factors such as:

• Food or drinks containing stimulants like caffeine (coffee, tea), ginseng, alcohol, etc.
• Physical or emotional stress from overwork or insufficient rest
• Other illnesses such as asthma, pneumonia, or hyperthyroidism
• Treatment involves lifestyle adjustments, such as limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption or treating thyroid issues, which can reduce the likelihood of AF episodes.

2.  AF caused by other heart abnormalities

     Heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, or heart failure can trigger AF. In these cases, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying heart condition to prevent further AF episodes. If the root cause cannot be treated, restoring normal heart rhythm becomes challenging.

3.  AF due to abnormalities in the electrical system of the upper chambers

This type of AF is caused by degeneration of the heart's electrical system. It's similar to an electrical system in a house that has been used for a long time, leading to flickering lights or failures. Treatment for this includes two options:

• Medication There are several medications to treat AF, each with similar effectiveness but different side effects.
• Radiofrequency Ablation This advanced procedure uses radiofrequency waves to target and correct irregular electrical impulses in the heart, improving effectiveness and reducing complications.

Additional Recommendations from Doctors

     Patients and their families should consult with a specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. For cases where AF cannot be completely cured, treatment will focus on preventing complications associated with the condition, such as strokes or heart failure. It is important to discuss the treatment approach thoroughly with a healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcome.