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Symptoms and Causes of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation and Treatment Options

Atrial Fibrillation is the most common form of arrhythmia where a person experiences heart rhythm problems. There are three main types of atrial fibrillation (A-fib): paroxysmal, persistent, and long-term persistent. Paroxysmal A-fib occurs when a rapid, erratic heart rate starts suddenly and then stops on its own within 7 days. It often lasts for less than 24 hours so is also termed as intermittent A-fib. According to the American Heart Association, 2.7 million American people live with some form of A-fib. With age, the likelihood of experiencing paroxysmal A-fib increases. Although paroxysmal A-fib isn’t life-threatening, but it can have serious consequences. Early diagnosis and treatment are the key to living a healthy life.

Causes of Paroxysmal A-fib:
When there are abnormal electric pathways in the ticker, and it is not beating regularly or pumping enough oxygenated blood around the body, Paroxysmal A-fib occurs as a result. It can be tied with pre-existing or previous health conditions, such as previous heart attack (myocardial infarction) or heart surgery, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, lung disease and overactive thyroid. Few lifestyle choices, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, being overweight or obese, stress, poor sleep, prolonged exercise, illegal drugs like amphetamines, methamphetamines, and cocaine, and other stimulants such as caffeine, and some over-the-counter medication- can also lead to atrial fibrillation.

Although, exercise is a healthful habit, but people should consult with their healthcare providers before starting a new workout or increasing the intensity of their exercise as increased physical exercise (sometimes) can also lead to A-fib due to the strain it can place on the ticker.


Symptoms:
Racing heart or palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue or weakness, dizziness or light-headedness are some of the common symptoms. A person should seek immediate medical help if he/she is experiencing any of these symptoms, doctors will most probably carry out a physical examination and monitor their ticker’s activity. There are no symptoms at all sometimes. Nonetheless, a doctor will be able to diagnose the issue with a physical exam or an electrocardiogram.

Complications:
Paroxysmal A-fib can lead to serious consequences although most cases pass naturally which highlights the importance of seeking medical help right away if an individual experiences a change in the rhythm of their ticker. It can lead to heart failure or stroke in the most serious cases. According to the American Heart Association, people who have atrial fibrillation are five times more likely to have a stroke than other people which can be attributed to A-fib affecting blood flow around the body causing the blood to become static which can clot in the upper chamber of the heart, which if then pumped to the brain can clog an artery and cause a stroke.

Treatment Options:
1.      Rate control medication is the most common A-fib treatment that lowers the heart rate to between 60 and 80 beats per minute while at rest.

2.      Doctors may prescribe blood thinners or anticoagulants to prevent blood clotting that decreases the likelihood of stroke.

3.      Electrical cardioversion uses an electric current to restore the natural rhythm. It is particularly used for people who have been experiencing paroxysmal A-fib for more than 48 hours.

4.      The aim of rhythm control, also known as medical cardioversion, is to bring the ticker back to a natural rhythm.

5.      Catheter ablation is another procedure to treat A-fib that involves scarring of the areas of the ticker that are causing problems.

6.      Lifestyle changes include quitting smoking and giving up on alcohol. It will help limit the chance of a person developing paroxysmal A-fib.

For people who experience paroxysmal A-fib, doctors recommend taking the medication in the first place because of the increased risk of complications occurring during surgery.
CPR Kansas City offers CPR courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers. To join a course, call on 913-998-7499.
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