The most common type of heart arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AFib), is a condition that interrupts the normal flow of blood. The two upper chambers of the heart are affected by AFib, which disrupts the flow of blood to the lower chambers and then through the rest of the body. The condition may be temporary or it could be permanent, but if it is left untreated it could be deadly.
Treating AFib can include the following treatment methods:
1. Blood thinners
Blood thinners in the form of anticoagulants are given to those who have indications of diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart failure. This will reduce the risk of the formation of clots. One of the most commonly prescribed blood thinners is Warfarin, also known as Coumadin. It is important to conduct periodic tests as well as avoid any form of cuts or injuries to keep a check on your chances of stroke. You need to report your usage of blood thinners and get off them in case you need to undergo any form of medical procedure.
2. Keeping the heart rate in check
One of the most important parts of your treatment for atrial fibrillation is to keep the heart rate in check. The heart rate shouldn’t be beyond the normal rate of 100 beats per minute. You can ensure a normal heart rate through the use of medicines as well as keeping your stress levels in check. The doctor would prescribe medication in the form of calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers based on your overall health condition.
3. Reset the irregular heart rhythm
In some patients diagnosed with this condition, it is important to reset the heart’s rhythm through the use of electrical cardioversion. This is a procedure carried out under mild anesthesia with the help of paddles or patches that provide gentle shocks to the heart. As a first step, you would be advised to get an ultrasound to check for clots and if there are signs of clots, the patient is prescribed blood thinners that need to be taken both before and after the procedure is carried out.
4. Prescription of anti-arrhythmics
There are high chances that despite having reset the heart rhythm with electrical cardioversion, there can be atrial fibrillation. In these cases, the doctor’s treatment for atrial fibrillation is to prescribe anti-arrhythmic medication that will regularize the heartbeat. You will need periodic visits to the doctor as certain side effects may occur as a result of the use of this medication.
There are other forms of treatments for atrial fibrillation that may be prescribed based on your condition and these include the use of ablation, insertion of a pacemaker, heart surgery, and critical lifestyle changes. In some cases, even a combination of these treatment methods may be required. Whatever be the course of action, you must get the treatment and keep going back for periodic check-ups as your health has to be monitored to avoid complications.
