Atrial fibrillation, or MA, is a disturbance in the rhythm of the heartbeat, in which there is a chaotic contraction of the atria - from 300 to 700 beats per minute. If an attack does not stop for more than two days, the risk of blood clots increases, which can be fatal. Because it is so important to consult a doctor in time at the first symptoms, to avoid complications.
The causes of atrial fibrillation
In healthy tissues of the heart muscle, electrical impulses move in one direction, and when nervous excitations appear in the path of the impulse, obstacles appear, which causes it to turn in the other direction. As a result, additional foci of arousal are formed — with regular arousal, the tissues begin to contract, but without rhythm.
In medicine, MAs are divided into the following forms:
- Paroxysmal. In this form, breaches of contractions appear - can be detected using an electrocardiogram in a period of up to a week. In some cases, the symptoms disappear even without the use of drugs.
- Persistent This form is characterized by rhythm deviations for more than a week. You can stop using drugs.
- Long persistent. This form takes a year or more, but can be treated with the use of drugs or cardioversion.
- Constant. In this form, it is impossible to restore the rhythm, and the disease can take a long time.
Regardless of the form of MA, it is dangerous because it quickly wears out the heart muscle, which can cause serious complications.
What can lead to an AI?
In most cases, this disease occurs after heart damage, but many other pathologies of the heart can contribute to the development of AI.
These include:
- cardiomyopathy;
- heart ischemia;
- myocardial infarction;
- myocarditis;
- hypertension.
There are also pathological conditions in which MA can manifest itself and independently of the pathologies of the heart:
- Hyperthyroidism. A disease in which hormonal abnormalities occur due to thyroid problems.
- Alcoholism, because with the consumption of large quantities of alcoholic beverages, deformation of tissues and organs occurs.
- Long reception of adrenomimetik.
- Lack of trace elements such as magnesium and potassium.
- Regular stress, nervous disorders.
- Chronic bronchitis, since this disease leads to malfunction of the respiratory system.
There are also risk factors that include conditions that can trigger the progression of this disease. Among them are:
- age over 50 years;
- overweight;
- regular increase in blood pressure;
- diabetes;
- previous heart disease.
If a person has already been diagnosed with this disease, there are the following factors that can cause seizures:
- constant overeating;
- sharp body twists;
- severe stress;
- serious physical exertion.
Most often, relapses occur with excessive adrenaline production.
The main signs of atrial fibrillation
Symptoms of this disease may vary in patients with different forms of AI. In the table we take a closer look at the main features:
| Form of the disease | Symptoms |
| Normosystolic. For a long time, the symptoms may not appear. When normosystolic form can form blood clots that enter the bloodstream. Most often affected vessels of the brain and heart. |
At the same time, Nitroglycerin does not eliminate pain. |
| Bradyarrhythmic |
|
| Tachysystolic |
|
Since MA can cause serious complications (disability, death), it is necessary to consult a doctor at the first signs.
How is the diagnosis?
The doctor will listen to the patient's complaints, study the history, conduct a primary examination. In most cases, you can diagnose an attack of MA, even at the first examination, because the symptoms of the disease are pronounced.
And to confirm the diagnosis, you need to use hardware methods:
- ECG. Simple and informative research method. He has no contraindications.
- Daily electrocardiogram, which involves tracking indicators of MA throughout the day. Through this study, it is possible to detect the smallest deviations.
- Ultrasound of the heart. It is considered the most accurate type of study, as it allows visualizing the state of the heart, detecting small deviations, and evaluating work.
- CPEPI. This method is used if the patient is worried about pain, but there are no obvious deviations during the examination.
- KLA and BAK.
The method of the applied research can be appointed only by the doctor.
Treatment of atrial fibrillation prior to hospitalization
The use of one or another treatment regimen depends on the form of AI, and on the patient's condition. The main goal of therapy is to restore the heart rate reduction. Elimination of seizures should be done before hospitalization to minimize complications.
Most often, when paroxysmal arrhythmias use the following tools:
- Cordarone at a dosage of 5 ml per 1 kg of body weight. Can not be used in parallel with other drugs for arrhythmias.
- Novokainamid, solution of 10%.
- Strofantin at a dosage of 0.025%. Enter the tool into the vein along with saline.
- Pantogam or Isparkam, which are used intravenously.
After 30-40 minutes after the use of drugs, the patient is prescribed a repeat electrocardiogram. In the absence of sinus rhythm, the patient is urgently hospitalized.
There are other factors that, when identified, the patient is hospitalized:
- during the first attack of AI;
- with a prolonged attack (about 3-7 days), since this increases the risk of blood clots;
- if the attack fails to stop with medication.
The earlier the attacks are detected, the sooner you can seek medical help, which in most cases saves the patient's life.
Recommendations for the relief of attacks
Further therapy is aimed at normalizing the rhythm of heart contractions. To do this, use drugs such as:
- Amiodarone;
- Cordaron;
- Propafenone
If even after their use it was not possible to restore the heart rhythm, the patient is given special anticoagulants that prevent the formation of blood clots. Among the most effective drugs emit:
- Warfarin;
- Heparin;
- Clexane.
If a chronic form of atrial fibrillation was diagnosed, medications are prescribed to maintain the heart rate at a normal level. To do this, use Digoxin, Egilok and Warfarin.
Electropulse therapy and surgery
If drug therapy did not produce results, the patient may be offered electropulse therapy using the cardioversion method. Indications for carrying out - any complications that could arise during paroxysmal arrhythmia. The procedure is as follows:
- The patient is injected into anesthesia.
- Electrodes are placed on the chest.
- Set the synchronization mode.
- Expose required for the treatment of the magnitude of the current (from 100 to 360 j).
- Conduct discharge.
As a result of this therapy, the cardiac conduction system is restarted - its efficiency is almost 100%.
With frequent relapses, they can prescribe a surgical treatment, which consists in laser cauterization of the pathological foci. Manipulation is performed by puncturing the artery with the use of special catheters. The effectiveness of therapy is about 85%.
Methods of traditional medicine
An important point: the use of traditional medicine methods is possible only after consulting a specialist. They can be used as an additional means to the main therapy. Perhaps the use of herbs, calming the nervous system.
Most often use infusions:
- valerian;
- clover;
- daisies;
- mint;
- melissa.
It is also possible to use hydrogen peroxide - this is a treatment method for Dr. Neumyvakin, who believes that the use of peroxide will prevent not only a heart attack, but also cancer. To normalize pressure, improve blood circulation, relieve vascular spasms, peroxide should be taken as follows:
- Dissolve 5 drops of 3% solution in 200 ml of water.
- Drink the mixture in the morning half an hour before meals.
- Take the remedy a second time a few hours before dinner.
The duration of treatment with this tool is not limited.
Phytotherapy
Medicinal plants or complex preparations from them are excellent methods of combating MA. However, it must be remembered that they are only of an auxiliary nature, and therefore it is so important to first consult with your doctor and take medications, and use phytotherapy as additional treatment methods.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a natural anticoagulant. Therefore, it is recommended to take the pharmacy for 1.5-2 months. Drink the drug three times a day before meals for 25 drops. After the course, a break of at least 20 days is required.
Viburnum
Features viburnum known for many centuries. This berry saturates ornanism with useful substances, has a positive effect on blood vessels, helps with high blood pressure. However, it is forbidden to take any drugs based on it in case of a tendency to rapid blood clotting - viburnum only enhances this property.
The health of a person is positively affected by tea from viburnum, where it is additionally recommended to add honey, lemon, and cranberry. But there is another recipe: pour 200 g of berries with 500 ml of boiling water, put on a slow fire for 5 minutes, then cool, strain and take a decoction of 100 ml twice a day.
Dog-rose fruit
Broth hips - an excellent tool in the fight against AI. To prepare it, you first need to clear the berries from the seeds, and then use a simple recipe:
- 50 g of peeled fruits pour 400 ml of hot water;
- the mixture is placed in a water bath for 10 minutes, filtered;
- add 1 tbsp. honey
Drink a decoction of 100 ml for half an hour before meals 2-3 times a day.
Calendula and mint
In the fight against this disease, it is very important to stabilize the heart rhythm, to expand the blood vessels in order to relieve tension. This is a great help from the mint and calendula remedies.
Prepare it according to the following recipe:
- take the two ingredients in equal quantities;
- pour boiling water over the mixture (500 ml of water for 50 g of herbs);
- Leave the agent to infuse for half an hour under the lid, cool, filter;
- add honey to enhance the taste;
- we accept infusion twice a day on 200 ml.
Is it possible to prevent the disease?
The main prevention is the treatment of those diseases that can provoke it. If AI has already been diagnosed, it is necessary to prevent recurrence. As Dr. Myasnikov points out, the following recommendations should be followed:
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- Do not overload your body with physical exertion, which can lead to shortness of breath, worsening of breathing;
- to eat right and balanced, which will prevent the development of many serious diseases that can provoke an attack;
- avoid stressful situations, emotional stress;
- eliminate any other bad habits;
- observe the regime of the day, remember about a good rest.
And in order to protect yourself, you should undergo a medical examination on time, including an ECG, and in case of a deviation from the norm, immediately consult a doctor for advice.
