Atrial fibrillation is a fast, irregular contraction of the heart’s atria or upper chambers. Most individuals experience Upper East Side atrial fibrillation in their adulthood years. It usually has no symptoms and can be identified using noninvasive tests such as electrocardiography (EKG). If a blood clot develops in your heart, it may travel via your bloodstream to your brain. A stroke or transient ischemic (TIA or mini-stroke) attack might occur if a clot stops one of the arteries going to your brain. Moreover, a stroke is five times more probable if you have atrial fibrillation.
Treating atrial fibrillation
Your doctor will discuss if you require treatment and which alternatives are best for you. If your heart is pounding too quickly, you may be given medicine to slow it down. You may need to test numerous medications before discovering the one that works best for you. You should also get frequent blood pressure and heart rate tests. You may also be given medication to help your heart beat more consistently. Medication or a technique known as cardioversion may be used. A sharp electric shock or medicine is used to re-establish a normal rhythm. There are various therapies for AF, such as catheter ablation, which uses radio frequency radiation to eliminate the portion of the heart producing the irregular rhythm.
Using atrial fibrillation to lower your risk of stroke
If you are confirmed with AF, your physician will determine your stroke risk. If you are at high risk, they will discuss using anticoagulant medicine with you. Your specialist will review your alternatives with you and do tests to ensure that the drug is functioning correctly. Anticoagulants are classified into numerous categories. Apixaban, dabigatran etexilate, edoxaban, rivaroxaban, and warfarin are among them. You must take each in a particular manner, and you may require regular monitoring while on the medicine.
Do you take aspirin?
People with AF used to be given aspirin, but this is no longer advised. However, aspirin is still used to treat various illnesses. If you have AF and take aspirin, talk to your doctor about whether it is the best treatment. Some individuals will have to switch to an anticoagulant, but you should never stop taking any medications without first consulting your doctor. You should also be offered suggestions on how to keep healthy. These may include quitting smoking, decreasing weight, drinking less alcohol, and being more physically active.
Atrial fibrillation is one of the top risk factors for stroke. The disorder can cause blood to pool in the heart, producing blood clots that can travel to and obstruct a blood artery in the brain. EKG is used to diagnose atrial fibrillation. People with atrial fibrillation can be treated with blood thinners to avoid blood clots, and medicines or surgeries can stabilize the heart rhythm. Additionally, treatment lowers the likelihood of having a stroke.
If you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, you must get treatment as soon as possible—but you should not be concerned or anxious about your condition. It is a stroke risk factor; however, it may be considerably decreased with prompt treatment. Call Upper East Side Cardiology to schedule an appointment today to learn more about atrial fibrillation procedures.
