Blood clots in the heart are a potential complication of atrial fibrillation, an arrhythmia characterized by an erratic and, at times, extremely fast heartbeat. It increases the risk of cerebrovascular disease, cardiac problems, and other cardiovascular complications. The Best Cardiology Brooklyn can help you with the evaluation and assessment if you have this condition. The Heart Doctor in Brooklyn can request ECG and other diagnostic tests to diagnose and prevent this abnormal rhythm.
In atrial fibrillation, the atria of the heart beat erratically and irregularly and are not in time with the ventricles. Many people with atrial fibrillation have no warning signs at all. However, symptoms of atrial fibrillation include palpitations, difficulty breathing, and fatigue.
The occurrence of atrial fibrillation episodes might be intermittent or chronic. Although atrial fibrillation seldom results in death, it is a medical emergency that must be treated to avoid stroke. Multiple alternatives exist for treating atrial fibrillation, including medication, treatments to correct cardiac rhythm, and catheter-based procedures to suppress erroneous cardiac impulses.
Clinical Manifestations
It has other typical symptoms as well. In certain cases, a physical examination is the only way to diagnose atrial fibrillation in a patient who has no symptoms. And yet, the following symptoms could affect others:
- Weakness in the population as a whole
- Dizziness
- Swerving, erratic pulse
- “Thumping” or “fluttering” sensation in the chest
- Feelings of dizziness or fainting
- Anxiety and shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Sweating
- Exercise-induced fatigue
- Pressure or pain in the chest
Types of Atrial Fibrillation and What They Mean
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Understanding the different types of AFib is essential in guiding proper diagnosis and treatment. Each form presents unique characteristics and may affect individuals differently depending on their overall heart health, underlying conditions, and risk factors.
Occasional Atrial Fibrillation (Paroxysmal AFib)
This form of AFib is defined by symptoms that come and go intermittently. Episodes may last for just a few minutes or extend up to several hours, and in some cases, symptoms can persist for as long as a week. Individuals with paroxysmal AFib often experience unexpected heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue, which can resolve spontaneously without medical intervention. However, even when symptoms disappear on their own, treatment may still be required to prevent complications such as stroke or worsening arrhythmias.
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Unlike occasional AFib, persistent AFib does not resolve on its own and requires medical treatment to restore normal sinus rhythm. This may involve electrical cardioversion or the use of antiarrhythmic medications. Without intervention, persistent AFib can lead to reduced cardiac efficiency, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. For many patients, timely and appropriate treatment improves both heart function and overall quality of life.
Longstanding Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
When atrial fibrillation has been present for more than 12 months without resolution, it is considered longstanding. At this stage, the abnormal rhythm has often become more deeply ingrained in the heart’s electrical system, making it harder to treat. Patients with this form of AFib are typically evaluated for a combination of therapies, including medications, catheter ablation, and lifestyle changes, to help manage the condition and reduce the risk of complications.
Permanent Atrial Fibrillation
In cases where efforts to restore normal rhythm are unsuccessful or no longer pursued, AFib is considered permanent. This means the irregular rhythm is accepted as the new baseline, and the focus of treatment shifts to managing symptoms, maintaining heart rate control, and preventing blood clots with anticoagulants. Even in the absence of symptoms, permanent AFib can significantly increase the risk of stroke and heart failure if left untreated.
Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation
This type of AFib occurs in patients who do not have significant heart valve disease. It is one of the more common forms of the condition and may result from high blood pressure, aging, or other heart-related conditions. Management typically involves medications such as beta-blockers, anticoagulants, and possibly rhythm-control therapies. Although it is not directly linked to structural valve issues, non-valvular AFib still carries risks that must be closely monitored by a cardiologist.
Preventative Measures
Preventing heart disease and, potentially, atrial fibrillation is possible through adopting a healthy lifestyle. Listed below are some fundamental recommendations for maintaining cardiovascular health:
- Forget about smoking
- Have healthy habits and eat nutritious food
- Don’t drink too much or get too much caffeine
- Maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly
- Control your anger and stress levels; these might trigger cardiac rhythm issues if left unchecked.
Cardiologists at Doral Health and Wellness are widely regarded as industry leaders in their respective fields. The Heart Specialist Brooklyn has the training and experience necessary to evaluate patients, investigate the patient’s medical histories, and provide specific treatment regimens.
During the course of the consultation and therapy, they engage in conversation with the patient’s loved ones and respond to questions posed by the patient. It is highly recommended that you look into Doral Health & Wellness because it has earned a stellar reputation for the quality of care it provides to patients suffering from medical, surgical, and cardiovascular disorders. The address for Doral Health & Wellness in Brooklyn, New York is 1797 Pitkin Avenue, and the zip code for the location is 11212. In order to set up a meeting, kindly call our office at the number 1-347-384-5690 or visit http://www.cardiologistbrooklyn.com/.
