Sarah Grace Burton and Emily Dickey
May 23rd, 2017
Anatomy HN - Vogel
4th Period
Atrial Fibrillation
Inside of the cardiovascular system, the heart normally has a regular heartbeat that is consistent. But for some people, their heartbeat is quivering and irregular which is called arrhythmia as the atria gets off beat. This rapid, abnormal heart-related condition is called Atrial Fibrillation, or more commonly known as AFib or AF. It can be caused by a variety of things, including some that may surprise you. The symptoms are easy to spot early on so doctors are more likely to be able to help control it with a myriad of treatments. Unfortunately, it is prevalent in the United States and around the world.
In a healthy person’s …show more content…
The first is Paroxysmal fibrillation, which is when the heart returns to a normal rhythm on its own, or with intervention, within 7 days of its start. People who have this type of AFib may have episodes only a few times a year or their symptoms may occur every day. These symptoms are very unpredictable and often can turn into a permanent form of atrial fibrillation. Another one is Persistent AFib, and it is defined as an irregular rhythm that lasts for longer than 7 days. This type of atrial fibrillation will not return to normal sinus rhythm on its own and will require some form of treatment. Long-standing AFib is when the heart is consistently in an irregular rhythm that lasts longer than 12 months. Permanent AFib occurs when the condition lasts indefinitely and the patient and doctor have decided not to continue further attempts to restore normal rhythm. Lastly, Nonvalvular AFib is atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve issue. Even though there are different types of AFib, the causes are very similar. It is more common in people that are 60 years or older as opposed to the younger generations, but some causes include high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart valve disease, heart defects …show more content…
When someone gets the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation from a doctor, they instantly focus on heart rhythm control, heart rate control, trying to prevent blood from clotting, reducing their risk for strokes, heart failure, and any other heart issues. Staying away from alcohol, drugs and cigarettes, and overconsumption of caffeine can also help you prevent atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation can be both environmental and genetic. It can be looked at from an environmental point of view because of infections that can catch, heavy intake of drugs, alcohol, and caffeine can all lead to atrial fibrillation. These environmental factors are all preventable. It can also be genetic because if your parents have atrial fibrillation or if you have prior heart conditions that are caused by your biology, which would conclude that AFib can be genetic as
May 23rd, 2017
Anatomy HN - Vogel
4th Period
Atrial Fibrillation
Inside of the cardiovascular system, the heart normally has a regular heartbeat that is consistent. But for some people, their heartbeat is quivering and irregular which is called arrhythmia as the atria gets off beat. This rapid, abnormal heart-related condition is called Atrial Fibrillation, or more commonly known as AFib or AF. It can be caused by a variety of things, including some that may surprise you. The symptoms are easy to spot early on so doctors are more likely to be able to help control it with a myriad of treatments. Unfortunately, it is prevalent in the United States and around the world.
In a healthy person’s …show more content…
The first is Paroxysmal fibrillation, which is when the heart returns to a normal rhythm on its own, or with intervention, within 7 days of its start. People who have this type of AFib may have episodes only a few times a year or their symptoms may occur every day. These symptoms are very unpredictable and often can turn into a permanent form of atrial fibrillation. Another one is Persistent AFib, and it is defined as an irregular rhythm that lasts for longer than 7 days. This type of atrial fibrillation will not return to normal sinus rhythm on its own and will require some form of treatment. Long-standing AFib is when the heart is consistently in an irregular rhythm that lasts longer than 12 months. Permanent AFib occurs when the condition lasts indefinitely and the patient and doctor have decided not to continue further attempts to restore normal rhythm. Lastly, Nonvalvular AFib is atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve issue. Even though there are different types of AFib, the causes are very similar. It is more common in people that are 60 years or older as opposed to the younger generations, but some causes include high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart valve disease, heart defects …show more content…
When someone gets the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation from a doctor, they instantly focus on heart rhythm control, heart rate control, trying to prevent blood from clotting, reducing their risk for strokes, heart failure, and any other heart issues. Staying away from alcohol, drugs and cigarettes, and overconsumption of caffeine can also help you prevent atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation can be both environmental and genetic. It can be looked at from an environmental point of view because of infections that can catch, heavy intake of drugs, alcohol, and caffeine can all lead to atrial fibrillation. These environmental factors are all preventable. It can also be genetic because if your parents have atrial fibrillation or if you have prior heart conditions that are caused by your biology, which would conclude that AFib can be genetic as