Atrial fibrillation is nothing more than a violation of the sequence, rhythm and frequency of atrial contractions. There are two forms of this disease, namely, atrial fibrillation and flutter.
In the first case, we are talking about a chaotic contraction of some groups of muscle fibers of the atria, while the atrium itself is not reduced. But the ventricles begin to contract arrhythmically, as a rule, with a frequency of about one hundred to one hundred and fifty beats per minute. This is due to the variability of atrial gastric conduction.
Atrial flutter, on the contrary, is their regular reduction with a frequency of approximately two hundred and fifty - three hundred beats per minute. The frequency of ventricular contractions in this case directly depends on the atrioventricular conduction. In this case, the ventricular rhythm can be of two types: regular and irregular.
Atrial fibrillation is persistent or paroxysmal. Flutter can be found ten to twenty times less than flicker. Quite often it happens that a patient has atrial fibrillation is present in two of its forms at once.
What can serve the development of a disease such as atrial fibrillation? The reasons are very different. This is IHD, and mitral defects, and thyrotoxicosis, and myocardial infarction, and even various types of intoxication, as well as alcoholism at all its stages.
It is noteworthy that atrial fibrillation to patients may not be felt at all. However, with a more detailed history taking, the following symptoms are revealed: arrhythmic pulse, as well as its deficiency and variability of the sonority of heart sounds.
Some forms can only be diagnosed by ECG. This applies to atrial flutter in the presence of a regular ventricular rhythm.
It is very important in time to identify a persistent, and especially paroxysmal form of atrial fibrillation. Otherwise, thromboembolic complications are possible.
Atrial fibrillation, urgent care in which comes to the introduction of cordiamine and the supply of oxygen to the patient, requires the elimination of the underlying heart disease and course treatment. The main thing is to restore the ventricular rhythm and bring it to seventy to eighty beats per minute. For this purpose, a systematic administration of digoxin is prescribed. And if necessary, propranolol is also added in small doses, as well as potassium preparations. In some cases, the elimination of the underlying disease leads to the restoration of sinus rhythm.
Persistent atrial fibrillation, the duration of which is up to two years, is eliminated exclusively in a hospital or by drug treatment, as well as by an electric pulse method. However, defibrillation cannot be performed for a number of pathologies, such as a significant increase in atria, myocarditis, severe conduction disturbances, thromboembolic complications in the near history, and cardiac glycoside intoxication.
In the event that in the past the patient had frequent paroxysms, then the prospect of restoring the sinus rhythm is small. It happens that the patient tolerates paroxysms very poorly. Moreover, they are not prevented even after prolonged drug exposure. In such a situation, complete or partial dissection of the His bundle is performed, followed by constant pacing, if necessary. This kind of intervention is carried out in specialized institutions, and, as a rule, it gives a positive result.
It also happens that paroxysms of atrial fibrillation cease completely spontaneously, for no apparent reason. However, any pain in the area of the heart is already an alarming sign, so you should not hope that it hurts and lets go. This can be heard quite often. Changing the rhythm, pain symptoms, burning behind the sternum - all this is a harbinger of serious heart pathologies, which in no case should be triggered. As soon as you feel something similar, immediately contact your clinic. And then your health will not be in danger!