Irregular heartbeat can be minor annoyance to some people while it poses as a serious threat to others. This is because it can cause a variety of complications and issues such as sudden cardiac arrest. When an irregular heartbeat is uncontrolled there is a risk that it can further develop and lead to stroke and heart failure. This is the reason why many take this case seriously, looking for the necessary treatment to help them manage their heartbeat. Let us look at a few natural treatments for AFib.

Benefits of Going Natural

People today will not be finding any shortage of AFib treatments that are available on a regular day to day basis. Each of these treatments caters to the different preferences and needs of patients while at the same time offers their own unique approach to treatment. However, going natural also comes with their own set of advantages that benefits many AFib patients.

One of these benefits comes from the low cost of natural treatment alternatives. Most of the natural treatments often revolve around some lifestyle changes which will not only benefit your irregular heartbeat but also helps improve the overall quality of life of patients. This in turn allows them to manage AFib in an effective manner.

Treatment Alternatives

One of the biggest changes AFib patients are advised to do is to create a meal plan sticking to healthier diets especially since irregular heartbeats mean underlying health issues like heart disease. For that matter, patients are encouraged to eat anti-inflammatory foods that help lower the immune system’s overactive response. It is also important to achieve a balanced cholesterol level by adding healthy fats and animal protein in your daily diet.

For patients who are planning to go for a healthier meal plan, make sure to add fiber-rich, high-antioxidant foods, vegetables and fruits of all kinds, herbs and spices, legumes and beans, healthy fats, as well as raw, unpasteurized dairy.

Engaging in physical activity is also shown to provide positive results to AFib patients particularly on their cardiovascular health. Regular exercise helps improve blood pressure, lipid profile, and overall mortality. Another benefit this provides is that it helps people to maintain a healthy weight. It should be noted that people who are overweight are more likely to have higher incidence, prevalence, severity, and progression of atrial fibrillation compared to their normal weight counterparts. This is the reason why in order to maintain a healthy heart, people are advised to engage in daily physical activities. It is important to note that AFib patients may need the help of their health care providers in creating an exercise plan to avoid overexerting themselves.

Lifestyle changes also include cutting bad habits that can have a negative impact to your life. These include quitting smoking as well as reducing stress. In the United States alone, tobacco smoke is the single most important modifiable risk factor for coronary diseases. Stress on the other hand can have significant adverse effects on the heart which makes it important for patients to manage emotional stress, making it part of their treatment.

 

 

AFib is a cause for concern to a huge number of individuals all over the world. Also known as Atrial fibrillation, it involves a quivering or an abnormal rate or rhythm in your heartbeat. This basically means that your heart rate is beating too slow or too fast than intended. It should be noted that for adults, their normal resting heart rate can range from 60 to 100 beats a minute. Such is not the cause however, when one is suffering from atrial fibrillation. AFib patients have reported to have 100 to 175 beats per minute which is alarming as it can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. Let us consider AFib causes and how it develops.

How AFib Develops

Atrial Fibrillation is often the result of abnormalities or damage to the heart’s structure. AFib cause can stem from high blood pressure, heart attacks, coronary artery disease, abnormal heart valves, heart defects, lung disease, viral infections, stress, sleep apnea and the likes. AFib is often considered as a silent condition especially since it can show no symptoms until it’s discovered during a physical examination making them even more dangerous. Their symptoms include palpitations, weakness, fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, confusion, shortness of breath as well as chest pain.

AFib with RVR

Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response is considered to be the most common type of arrhythmia. This often occurs when the lower chambers of the heart, to beat too fast which can result to a rapid or fluttering heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response is something that should not be taken lightly or for granted as it can cause serious complications.

One of the worst case scenario that can happen to a person who has an atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response is heart failure resulting to the ventricles not efficiently pump blood out to meet the needs and demands of the body. AFib with RVR can also cause the development of chest pains which makes conditions like congestive heart failure much worse.

Treatment

For some, AFib does not need any form of treatment. Such is not the case however, with regards to AFib with RVR as it can contribute in making the arrhythmia more serious. During such cases, finding the necessary treatment is heavily advised.

AFib medications can range from beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin which are all utilised to slow the ventricular rate in patients with this condition. If medications don’t provide the much needed effect, patients can opt to have an artificial pacemaker installed to them. Regulating the beating of the heart is what this electronic device does which allows patients to achieve safe heart rate levels in a timely and effective manner.

AFib causes a lot of stress to an individual. With that being said, patients should not take all of the load directly on their own. Doctors will be able to help them manage AFib through careful diagnosis and come up with an effective prognosis to reduce its risk. Get in touch with your health care provide to learn more about AFib.

 

AFib is something that should never be taken lightly or for granted. Even though AFib by itself does not have harmful consequences on its own, sufferers are at risk of stroke and other related heart problems increasing its likelihood exponentially. As a result, AFib patients are encouraged to take the necessary measures in order to help restore their irregular heartbeat in a timely and effective manner. Modern technology has help paved the way, introducing new innovations and methods of treating AFib. One of these procedures can be found in the form of cardiac ablation. Let us look at what role cardiac ablation plays in dealing with the AFib case.

How Cardiac Ablation Works

The main purpose of cardiac ablation is to correct heart rhythm problems. This procedure is able to make it possible simply by scarring or destroying tissue in your heart that is causing rapid and irregular heartbeats. This in turn helps prevent the abnormal electrical signals or rhythms from moving through the heart which reduces the risk of complications with your irregular heartbeat.

The procedure involves using long, flexible tubes known as catheters that are injected through a vein or artery in your groin area while at the same time also being threaded to your heart. All of these procedures are done in an effort to modify the tissues that cause arrhythmia in your heart. It should be noted that although cardiac ablation through catheter is popular, open heart surgery can also be done as an alternative for this particular procedure. However, those who are looking for a less invasive as well as a shorter period of recovery time may often opt to have it done through catheter instead.

Types of Cardiac Ablation

Aside from the two different cardiac ablation procedures, patients are also given two options on what type of method may best suit their preference and needs. This includes radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation. The AFib causes may also play a role in helping patients decide which method works well for they favor.

Radiofrequency ablation or RFA makes good use of heat to eliminate the problem area. RFA can be used often without the need for general anesthetics especially since it does not directly stimulate nerves or the heart muscle. As a result, this procedure can be done in the outpatient setting. On the other hand, cryoablation focuses on using cold temperature to disable heart cells that are causing arrhythmia. One of its main advantages is that this procedure is less likely to affect healthy heart tissue or other nearby structures. Furthermore, patients are able to benefit greatly from the reduced pain that cryoablation provides.

It is good to hear that AFib sufferers are given a wide variety of options on how to effectively manage their condition. Make sure to get in touch with your doctors to learn more about AFib causes as well as see if cardiac ablation is best suited for your case. This in turn helps save you a fair amount of time and resources from unnecessary operations.

A huge number of individuals suffer from atrial fibrillation also called AFIB without them ever noticing it. This is a condition in which the heart quivers or beats irregularly and this can result to heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and weakness. If not treated in a timely manner, atrial fibrillation can result to a number of problematic cases including blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. As such, regulating your irregular heartbeats plays a very integral role in keeping atrial fibrillation and its effects controlled.

Managing AFIB

Careful planning and preparation plays an important role in dealing with AFIB. Irregular heartbeats oftentimes occur when people least expect it; and as such, knowing its symptoms can definitely go a long way in knowing if you’ve got AFIB. The symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, and chronic fatigue.

It is good to hear however that atrial fibrillation can be regulated with the help of modern technologies and innovations found in the present. The electrocardiogram or EKG for instance has contributed greatly in helping patients cope with AFIB. The procedure involves recording the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time utilizing electrodes which are placed on the skin.

Using EKG

Electrocardiogram is done to patients for various reasons. For instance, the heart’s electrical activity can be regulated and checked using the very same method which aids in finding the cause of unexplained chest pain or pressure. Aside from that, EKG is also utilized to find the early cause and symptoms of heart disease.

Electrocardiogram needs the help of your doctors in order for them to give proper diagnoses and assessments. EKG interpretation is done by healthcare professionals, and it is important that patients work hand in hand with them in order to receive accurate readings of their AFIB. With the help of EKG interpretation, doctors are able to come up with suitable treatment that is able to cater to the different needs and preferences of each and every one of their patients.

Modern technology has also paved the way for the creation of portable EKG equipment. This in turn allows tests to be taken at any given time when the need calls for them to do so. EKG tests are fairly short and can be completed in 5 to 10 minutes making them fast and convenient. In addition, the test is considered to be completely safe making it very much accessible to a huge number of individuals regardless of their age.

Getting accurate readings with your AFIB is only the beginning. Patients also need to make the necessary changes to help manage the condition. Lifestyle changes through diet and exercise are known to contribute greatly in lessening the effects of atrial fibrillation. Stress is also known to make the condition worse. So make sure that you relax and take time off from your busy schedule. If you feel like you are suffering from irregular heartbeat, never take this issue for granted and have your heart checked right away.

 

 

Most atrial fibrillation cases often lead to pacemaker surgery. This in turn makes the occurrence of a quivering or irregular heartbeat more manageable reducing the risk of a number of complications including blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related problems. Pacemaker surgery does indeed provide a good amount of benefits to its patients receiving its fair share of the spotlight over the years. As a result, it has become a very much sought after procedure with patients who are suffering from AFIB. Having a pacemaker attached to your body can be a totally new experience. Here’s what you can expect after your pacemaker surgery.

Benefits of Pacemaker Surgery

It should be noted that the pacemaker surgery is considered to be a minor surgery. This means that the procedure can be completed in a short amount of time leading to shorter hospital stays as well as improved quality of life. Having a pacemaker attached to you during surgery can take about three hours to complete. Furthermore, the procedure may only take 1 to 2 hours if the doctor only has to change the generator battery.

The device works by controlling abnormal heart rhythms which are vital for AFIB patients. This is made possible by the use of electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate. With that being said, there are atrial fibrillation guidelines that need to be followed; and having a pacemaker surgery does not prevent heart attacks if one is not careful.

Pacemaker Surgery and Your Lifestyle

There are a lot of factors that you need to keep in mind with your newly attached pacemaker. First and foremost, your doctors will be discussing the dos and don’ts to make your pacemaker function normally. Even though the pacemaker does not affect or limit you from doing sports and exercise, including strenuous activities, you may want to avoid full contact sports such as football. The reason behind this is that the contact could potentially damage your pacemaker or shake loose the wires in your heart.

Aside from exercise activities, you may also want to avoid close or prolonged contact with electrical devices or devices that have strong magnetic fields as this can interfere with your pacemaker. These devices include Cell phones and MP3 players, household appliances, such as microwave ovens, high-tension wires, metal detectors, industrial welders, electrical generators and the likes. As a precaution, patients are advised to avoid putting their cell phone or MP3 player in a shirt pocket over their pacemaker especially if the devices are turned on. Using household appliances can still be done although you need to avoid close and prolonged exposure with it as well.

We’ve mentioned battery replacement with your pacemaker earlier, and your doctors will be the one in charge of replacing them. A pacemaker’s battery usually last between 5 and 15 years which depends on how active the pacemaker is. The same can also be said when it comes to the pacemaker’s wires which have to be changed or replaced eventually.

 

 

 

AFIB may be one of the most leading conditions that you should know of. It’s crucial to find out more about the AFIB symptoms, what causes it, and also the means to address it. Needless to say, the heart is one of the most crucial organs since it pumps up blood to where it is required. Most people take it for granted thinking that it beats 24/7. The thing is it might be beating but it’s not beating regularly. That condition is known as AFIB.

One of the dangers of AFIB is that it can cause blood clot and this may cause stroke in the long run. That’s not good at all. Physicians Weekly has disclosed that about 35 percent of AFIB patients are likely to experience stroke at one time in their lives.

The usual question asked by those who think they have the condition is what AFIB symptoms are and what treatments should be done to address it. Web MD said that there are those people who don’t experience any symptoms at all and they only find out about the condition during routine physical checkup. That’s why routine physical examination is important for every person.

The frequency that a person should undergo physical routine depends on his or her age. There are certain instances when a person goes through the symptoms of AFIB while there are those who simply feel that there’s something off with their physical health. If this happens, it’s better to have the physician check the condition right away for everyone’s peace of mind.

The following are some of the most common symptoms that patients who have AFIB feel: chest pains, fatigue, that sense that the heart is not beating right, lightheadedness, and that nasty shortness of breath.

AFIB treatment has three goals: to slow down heart rate, to normalize the heart’s rhythm, and to avoid possibility of stroke. The first medication that physicians’ advice is to take medicines orally and sometimes it comes with IV transfusions. For severe cases, it’s better to undergo IV transfusions. If the case is relatively milder, it is necessary to just take the usual oral medication.

It’s important to achieve normal heart rhythms through first determining the level of severity of the condition. At times, medication may not be prescribed at all. If a person has a high tendency to experience stroke and AFIB is present in that person, blood thinners like aspirin, heparin, and warfarin are prescribed.

Yoga is also something that has been prescribed by physicians to aid in the treatment of AFIB. University of Kansas conducted a study on 49 AFIB patients. The patients were advised to take 2 sessions of yoga every week. Every session lasted for about 2 hours. It was done at home for three weeks.  The result was that the episodes of AFIB were reduced to 45 percent. What makes it more productive is that the patients who underwent it expressed that they’re able to experience less anxiety and depression and they have improved quality of life.

 

 

 

 

 

Heart disease is a cause for concern to a huge number of individuals all over the world which brings to the table different types of problems to their bodies. One of these can be found directly with their heart beat. Atrial fibrillation is known as a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to a variety of problems including blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. Let us consider what causes AFIB and why it is often associated with COPD.

AFIB and COPD

As mentioned earlier, AFIB is characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate. On the other hand, COPD or is also known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is known as a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. This disease is characterized by increasing breathlessness. COPD progressive into various lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis if treatment is not administered in a timely and effective manner.

Difference and Similarities

The reason why AFIB and COPD are often linked together is because they share a few similar symptoms and cause. This include symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and chest pain. On the other hand, AFIB causes can develop or start with lung diseases which is fairly common trait found in COPD.

In addition, acute exacerbations of the disease and common causes for this are usually viral infections of the upper respiratory tract and infections of the tracheobronchial tree and this is what most COPD patients are prone to developing which is also relatively similar to AFIB. The only difference is that AFIB primarily revolves around the heart while COPD primarily affects the lungs.

It should be noted that heart problems and COPD are comorbidities and this means that it isn’t uncommon to have both. Smoking, airway inflammation, hypoxia, hypercapnia, pulmonary hypertension, β-adrenergic agonist and steroids all contribute to ultimately causing or worsening AF in COPD patients.

Lifestyle Changes with AFIB and COPD

Knowing COPD and AFIB causes is only the beginning as you need to take action in effectively managing the condition. Making the necessary changes to your lifestyle affects both COPD and AFIB. For instance, exercise is known aid in slowing heart rate as well as lower blood pressure which is great for AFIB. On other hand, COPD patients can benefit greatly from exercise as it can help improve circulation as well as help the body better use oxygen. Furthermore, patients will be able to build energy levels which allows them to do more activities without becoming tired or running out of breath very easily.

Dealing with both COPD and AFIB can be very troublesome. This is the reason why early detection is necessary to avoid making the condition much worse. It is also important that you discuss this with your doctors right away as you work hand in hand together in find appropriate treatment that is able to suit your needs.

 

A normal heart rate is a sign of a healthy rate. This is the reason why doctors often check their patient’s pulse to read their heart rate and help them assess their situation. A normal heart rate for adults can range from 60 to 100 beats a minute. There are a number of factors however, that can change much how beats your heart create. This include body temperature, the foods that we eat, our activities, age, gender as well as caffeine and other drugs all contribute in affecting your heart rate. Aside from these factors, irregular heartbeat can also result from unnatural causes. One good example of this can be found in the form of AFIB. Let us consider at AFIB and how it affects a person’s normal heart rate.

AFIB and Your Heart

Also known as Atrial Fibrillation, AFIB is characterized by a quivering or irregular heart rate that can range from 100 to 175 beats a minute. As mentioned earlier, 60 to 100 beats a minute is considered to be the normal range for a heart rate making it marginally different from AFIB. Irregular heart rate should not be taken for granted especially since this can lead to a variety of illness including blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. For that matter, understanding AFIB treatment plays a very important role in managing the condition. One good way of managing them is through the early detection of its symptoms and causes.

AFIB Symptoms

AFIB is often considered a hidden illness or disease which is only discovered during a physical examination. Those who have AFIB may experience the palpitations which revolves around sensations of a racing, uncomfortable, irregular heartbeat or a flip-flopping in your chest. Fatigue and weakness are also common symptoms of AFIB as well as lightheadedness, dizziness, confusion and shortness of breath. If you feel any of these symptoms, it is important that you go see a doctor right away in order to give you proper assessment of your condition. These individuals will also able to find AFIB treatment that is able to cater to your preference and needs.

Causes of AFIB

Anyone with heart disease has a huge likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation. This includes heart valve problems, congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease. People who have a history of heart attack or heart surgery are also at risk of getting them. AFIB is also s present in some families making them somewhat hereditary.

Lifestyle also contributes greatly in increasing the risk of atrial fibrillation. Drinking alcohol for instance, can trigger an episode of atrial fibrillation for some people. Others put themselves at huge risk by binge drinking or heavy episodic drinking which is not advised. Your weight also factors with AFIB and people who are obese are also at risk of developing them.

As mentioned earlier, it is important that patients get in touch with their healthcare provider right away before things get much worse with your AFIB. Irregular heart rate is not normal so make sure that you treat them with haste.