Types of Atrial Fibrillation and Risks for it in Nashville, TN

AFib is the most common heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia). A major concern with AFib is that it also makes blood clots in the heart that can travel and cause strokes or block flow to other critical organs. In fact, people with this condition are five times more likely to have a stroke compared to others. It can also lead to heart failure. But finding and treating AFib early on can help you avoid these problems.

It is important for every individual to be well-trained in the CPR techniques that comprise chest compressions and rescue breaths. Being trained in the techniques can help in efficiently handling cardiac emergencies in out-of-hospital cases. To undergo CPR training Nashville, you can sign up for a program at the AHA certified CPR Nashville where training is conducted through a series of audio and video lectures and hands-on practice. Go through the course curriculum prior to enrolling for a program as there are courses for both healthcare as well as non-healthcare providers.

Types of AFib:

Paroxysmal: Comes and goes and generally stops on its own.

Persistent: Lasts more than a week and can become permanent.

Permanent: The heart’s normal rhythm can’t be restored.

Risks for AFib:

AFib is more likely for you:

1.      Older age, although it can happen at any age

2.      Conditions that place added strain on the heart, including:

a.      high blood pressure

b.      previous heart attack

c.       heart surgery

d.      valve disease

3.      Other illnesses such as obesity, sleep apnea or hyperthyroidism

4.      Family history  

5.      Drinking too much alcohol (routinely having 3 or more drinks a day or binge drinking)

Common AFib Triggers:

1.      Infections

2.      Drinking too much alcohol

3.      Caffeine, which can increase your heart rate and spark an AFib episode in some individuals

4.      Skipping doses of medications aimed to control AFib

5.      Smoking or taking stimulants

Symptoms of AFib:

People with AFib may or may not have symptoms, those who do report:

1.      Heart palpitation -- a thumping or racing heart, fluttering or skipping beats

2.      Feeling unusually tired or fatigued

3.      Unexplained shortness of breath

4.      Dizziness or fainting spells

5.      Chest pain (angina)

Medications

Medications are used to prevent clots from forming or to dissolve an existing clot and restore the normal rate or rhythm. 

Medications to prevent or treat blood clots and stroke include:

1.      Aspirin

2.      Blood thinners/anticoagulants such as warfarin, dabigitran, rivaroxaban and apixaban

Medical procedures

Electrical cardioversion – uses low-voltage electrical shock applied to the chest with paddles to restore a normal rhythm.

Catheter-based ablation – to fix the faulty electrical signals, a tube is inserted into a vein in the leg and threaded to the heart.

Surgical maze – small scar lines are made on the heart, creating a “maze” to prevent or redirect the abnormal beats from controlling the heart which is done through open heart surgery.

Pacemakers or atrial defibrillators – implantable devices that help restore and maintain regular rhythm.

Sign up for a program today and contribute towards the safety of victims involved in cardiac emergencies. For more information, contact CPR Nashville on 615-397-9316.