The fact that the human heart generates electrical impulses is known for a long time. The rhythm of the heart rate in a normally functioning organ is in the range of 60 to 90 per minute. As a result of heart disease, the rhythm is disrupted. Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common cardiac disorders. We present the opinion of cardiologists about the most common causes of atrial fibrillation and a description of the symptoms of the disease.
Causes of atrial fibrillation
If you briefly describe the ailment, atrial fibrillation manifests as a mismatch of contractions of the cardiac fibers. This makes it difficult to fully expel blood into the ventricles of the heart, and, consequently, subsequently to the aorta and pulmonary arteries. In the end, each organ and the human body as a whole suffers from a blood flow disturbance. Distinguish paroxysmal (in the form of attacks) and constant atrial fibrillation. The principal difference exists in approaches to patient therapy. With flicker paroxysm, it is necessary to restore the rhythm, while with constant arrhythmia, the restoration of rhythm threatens the development of thromboembolism.
The causes of atrial fibrillation, as a rule, are associated with cardiac pathologies. Atrial fibrillation accompanies:
- congenital and acquired heart defects;
- cardiosclerosis ;
- ischemia of the heart;
- heart rheumatism;
- myocarditis;
- frequent pressure jumps;
- heart failure.
At the same time, there are a number of reasons for the occurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation of a noncardiological nature. Among them:
- alcohol abuse, smoking;
- pathological changes in the lungs;
- complications after severe infectious diseases;
- serious endocrinological disorders, primarily associated with improper functioning of the thyroid gland;
- electrolyte changes, accompanied by a deficiency of magnesium and potassium in the uncontrolled use of diuretics and food intoxication;
- the effects of prolonged stress;
- taking drugs - glycosides and adrenomimetics.
Symptoms of atrial fibrillation
Often the atrial fibrillation is erased or even asymptomatic and is detected during a preventive medical examination. But usually patients show the following complaints:
- heart palpitations or irregularities in the functioning of the heart muscle;
- physical weakness;
- excessive sweating;
- dizziness;
- pain in the heart;
- shortness of breath, shortness of breath.
When attacks of atrial fibrillation may appear additional symptoms:
- bubbling breath, suffocation;
- fainting;
- loss of sensation of the body, partial or complete paralysis;
- arterial collapse;
- stopping breathing ;
- cessation of cardiac activity.
In view of the seriousness of the disease, patients who are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation should follow the prescriptions of the doctor, namely:
- Take prescribed medications.
- Adjust the regime of work and rest.
- Adhere to the principles of a healthy balanced diet.
- To lead a healthy lifestyle with a complete refusal from smoking, alcohol.
- Monitor physical activity.
- Limit the impact of stressful situations.
Attention! Although in itself, atrial fibrillation is not a contraindication to pregnancy, but the possibility of bearing a child is established by a specialist who takes into account the underlying ailment that caused arrhythmia and the particular course of the disease in a particular patient.