What is the most common treatment for atrial fibrillation?
Heart rate medicines: The most common way to treat atrial fibrillation is with drugs that control your heartbeat....Potassium channel blockers, which slow the electrical signals that cause AFib:Amiodarone (Cordarone, Nexterone Pacerone),Dofetilide (Tikosyn)Sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)
How is atrial fibrillation treated?
Treating atrial fibrillation Treatment may involve: medicines to prevent a stroke (people with atrial fibrillation are more at risk of having a stroke) medicines to control the heart rate or rhythm. cardioversion – where the heart is given a controlled electric shock to restore normal rhythm.
What is the first line treatment for atrial fibrillation?
Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers are first-line agents for rate control in AF. These drugs can be administered either intravenously or orally. They are effective at rest and with exertion. Intravenous diltiazem or metoprolol are commonly used for AF with a rapid ventricular response.
What is the main cause of atrial fibrillation?
The basic cause of AFib is disorganized signals that make your heart's two upper chambers (the atria) squeeze very fast and out of sync. They contract so quickly that the heart walls quiver, or fibrillate. Damage to your heart's electrical system can cause AFib.
What foods should you avoid if you have atrial fibrillation?
Foods to avoid for AFibCaffeine and energy drinks.Alcohol. A 2014 study found that even moderate alcohol intake could be a risk factor for AFib. ... Red meat.Processed foods. Processed foods, such as ready meals or sausages, tend to have large quantities of salt and preservatives. ... Sugary foods and drinks.Salt.
What are the warning signs of AFib?
The most common symptom: a quivering or fluttering heartbeatGeneral fatigue.Rapid and irregular heartbeat.Fluttering or “thumping” in the chest.Dizziness.Shortness of breath and anxiety.Weakness.Faintness or confusion.Fatigue when exercising.More items...•
What is the drug of choice for atrial fibrillation?
Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are the drugs of choice because they provide rapid rate control. These drugs are effective in reducing the heart rate at rest and during exercise in patients with atrial fibrillation.
How serious is atrial fibrillation?
Although A-fib itself usually isn't life-threatening, it's a serious medical condition that requires proper treatment to prevent stroke. Treatment for atrial fibrillation may include medications, therapy to reset the heart rhythm and catheter procedures to block faulty heart signals.
Does atrial fibrillation go away?
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is one of the types that starts suddenly and goes away own on its own. However, patients should still be monitored and treated. Usually, atrial fibrillation is permanent, and medicines or other nonsurgical treatments can't restore a completely normal heart rhythm.
Can you live a long life with atrial fibrillation?
The good news is that although AF is a long-term condition, if managed correctly, you can continue to lead a long and active life. There are a number of steps you can take that will help you manage your condition, lower your risk of stroke and relieve any worries you may have.
What is the life expectancy of someone with atrial fibrillation?
Ten years after diagnosis, the first generation with atrial fibrillation, covering 1972 to 1985, had lived an average of 2.9 fewer years compared to participants without AFib. That gap narrowed to 2.1 years between 1986 and 2000, and to 2.0 years between 2001 and 2015.
When should you go to hospital with atrial fibrillation?
When to Call the Doctor or 911. If an AFib episode lasts 24 to 48 hours with no break or if symptoms worsen, call your physician, Armbruster says. Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if you experience any symptoms of a stroke, which are sudden weakness or numbness or difficulty speaking or seeing.