Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart rhythm disorder characterized by irregular and often rapid heartbeats.
It affects millions worldwide and increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications.
Symptoms –
• Irregular heartbeat: Patients may experience palpitations, described as a fluttering sensation in the chest.
• Fatigue and weakness: AFib can lead to decreased blood flow and oxygen delivery to the body, causing fatigue.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or exertion, is a common symptom.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: Reduced blood flow to the brain can result in feelings of dizziness or faintness.
• Chest pain: Some individuals may experience chest discomfort or pressure.
The signs may last from minutes to a few hours at a time. If symptoms persist for days, you may need an immediate medical emergency, as it is called chronic AFib.
Atrial fibrillation can be:
• Occasional. Occasional atrial fibrillation may have signs that last from a few minutes to hours. Sometimes, signs can be witnessed for a prolonged week and happen repeatedly. You may need treatment if symptoms keep on coming.
• Persistent. If you have persistent AFib, your symptoms will not get better, and the heartbeat does not go back to normal on its own.
• Long-standing persistent. This type of atrial fibrillation is continuous and lasts longer than a year.
• Permanent. The heartbeat does not return to normal, while you may need ayurvedic medications to manage heart rate and prevent blood clots.
Causes –
• Electrical abnormalities: AFib often occurs due to disruptions in the heart’s electrical signals, causing the atria to quiver instead of contracting normally.
• Structural heart disease: Conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and heart valve disorders can predispose individuals to AFib.
• Age: The risk of developing AFib increases with age, particularly beyond 65 years.
• Lifestyle factors: Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and sleep apnea are associated with an increased risk of AFib.
Risk Factors –
• Age: Advanced age is a significant risk factor for AFib, with prevalence rising substantially in older adults.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure can damage the heart’s structure and increase the risk of developing AFib.
• Heart disease: Conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, and heart valve abnormalities elevate the likelihood of AFib.
• Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular complications, including AFib.
• Family history: Genetic factors may predispose individuals to AFib, especially if close relatives have been diagnosed with the condition.
Complications –
• Stroke: AFib significantly increases the risk of blood clots forming in the heart, which can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
• Heart failure: Irregular heart rhythms can weaken the heart muscle over time, leading to heart failure—a condition where the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
• Cognitive decline: Some studies suggest a link between AFib and cognitive impairment, possibly due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
• Other complications: AFib can also increase the risk of other cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) and peripheral arterial disease.
Diagnosis –
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This non-invasive test records the heart’s electrical activity, allowing healthcare providers to identify irregular rhythms characteristic of AFib.
• Holter monitor: A portable device worn by the patient for a day or more to continuously monitor heart rhythm and detect intermittent AFib episodes.
• Echocardiogram: This ultrasound imaging test provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function, helping to identify underlying heart conditions contributing to AFib.
• Blood tests: These may be performed to assess thyroid function, electrolyte levels, and other factors that can influence heart rhythm.
Treatment –
• Medications: Antiarrhythmic drugs, rate-controlling medications, and anticoagulants are commonly prescribed to manage AFib and reduce the risk of complications like stroke.
• Cardioversion: In this procedure, electrical shocks are delivered to the heart to restore normal rhythm in patients with persistent AFib.
• Catheter ablation: A minimally invasive procedure where a catheter is used to target and destroy abnormal areas of heart tissue responsible for triggering AFib.
• Lifestyle modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, and managing stress, can help control AFib symptoms and reduce recurrence.
Ayurvedic Perspective –
As per Ayurveda, any ailment in the body is a result of imbalance doshas. Doshas help attain optimum health while their imbalance may lead to malfunctioning. Aggravated Vata can be irregular, so it leads to irregular heartbeats. Pitta is also aggravated, which causes the heart to beat at a faster rate. Slow Kapha can make the heartbeat at a slower pace.
Ayurvedic Herbs –
• Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna): Arjuna is regarded as an important natural heart tonic. It’s one of the ayurvedic herbs which could have the capability to regularize the pulse and rhythm naturally. It can help alleviate palpitations, sweating, and breathing problems caused because of atrial fibrillation.
• Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Brahmi may be employed to decrease the possibility of a panic attack, stroke, and cardiac failure linked to atrial fibrillation. It helps support the normal heart functions and increases the blood supply to the critical organs.
• Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris): People may use Gokshura for arrhythmia therapy naturally. This Indian herb may possess restorative properties, which could help regulate the heartbeats and may prevent abnormal heart rhythms.
• Cayenne pepper: Marich Phalam ( strengthens the heart, Increases circulation, may normalize blood pressure)
• Hawthorn berry, Basangli raises heart circulation, good for irregular heart rate, eases angina)
• Garlic, Lashona ( opens clogged arteries, helps irregular heart rate)
• Dong Quai (strengthens the heart muscle)
• Motherwort (slows too fast heart rate)
• Angelica (anti-arrhythmia)
• Astragalus (increases cardiac output)
Prevention –
It is possible to prevent atrial fibrillation by doing the following –
• Avoid smoking
• Healthy dietary intake
• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Maintaining normal body weight
Conclusion
Atrial fibrillation is a prevalent heart rhythm disorder associated with various symptoms, complications, and risk factors.
Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications like stroke and heart failure.
With advancements in treatment options and lifestyle interventions, individuals with AFib can lead fulfilling lives while effectively managing their condition.
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