Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a type of abnormal electrical conduction of the receiving chambers of the heart (atria). During atrial fibrillation the receiving chambers (atria) of the heart instead of beating in a coordinated manner do not squeeze all the blood out but instead “quiver”. Atrial fibrillation can occur for many reasons. Sometimes this irregular heart beat which can be common after open heart surgery or lung surgery. Atrial fibrillation can be intermittent, where the heart rhythm is at times normal and at times abnormal, or persistent meaning the heart rhythm is irregular all of the time. Atrial fibrillation occurs during the process of aging.

The causes and risk factors for atrial fibrillation are many.
Some common risk factors include:

• Prior heart attacks
• Mitral valve disease
• Tricuspid valve disease
• Congenital heart defects
• Hyperthyroidism
• Long term overconsumption of stimulants (caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, medications, drugs, medications)
• Lung disease: emphysema, pulmonary embolism
• COPD
• Sick sinus syndrome (an abnormality of the electrical pacemaker of the heart)
• Obesity
• Diabetes mellitus
• Sleep apnea
• Viral infections
• Stress due to illness or surgery

Atrial fibrillation may be undetectable or feel like a racing of your heart in your chest.
Some symptoms may include:

• Changing irregular pulse
• “Racing” feeling
• Tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness

The first step to diagnosis is an evaluation by your doctor including medical and family history, physical exam, and risk factor evaluation. Your doctor may notice an irregular pulse at your wrist or an irregular beating when they listen to your heart. An electrocardiogram (EKG) can be very helpful in the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. Often you will be referred to a cardiologist or an electrophysiologist who is a specialized cardiologist dealing specifically with heart rhythm abnormalities.

How is atrial fibrillation treated?

Often atrial fibrillation is treated with medications. Blood thinners are often prescribed to prevent blood clots in the heart that could break off and cause a stroke. Sometimes a patient may be referred for a specialized EP study and catheter ablation or a Watchman device.

If you have atrial fibrillation and will be undergoing open heart surgery your surgeon will talk with you about a surgical ablation at the time of open heart surgery. Surgical ablation can have a 80% freedom from atrial fibrillation. Exclusion or excision of the left atrial appendage may also be performed to greatly reduce the risk of stroke. Surgical ablation consists of a series of radiofrequency lesions placed on the atrium to create a maze for the electrical impulses to follow. This procedure is often referred to as a “Maze” for this reason.

Want to know more? https://ctsurgerypatients.org/adult-heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation-afib

Atricure a fib ablation https://www.atricure.com/patients-caregivers/atrial-fibrillation