Atrial fibrillation is a frequent cardiac arrhythmia . It is estimated that one in three adults over 55 years of age will suffer from atrial fibrillation if they do not take adequate preventive measures. This arrhythmia is characterized by irregular heartbeat and can cause several symptoms , including: Palpitations; Fatigue; Dizziness; Chest pain; Fainting. However, some patients with atrial fibrillation may be silent and have no symptoms. Atrial fibrillation can appear in isolation or be associated with other cardiac diseases , such as diseases of the heart muscle, heart valves, among others. If you have an irregular pulse, atrial fibrillation can be easily diagnosed using an electrocardiogram. Sometimes, atrial fibrillation can appear episodically and not be continuous. In these cases, other types of exams, such as a 24-hour Holter record, among others, may be necessary. If not properly treated, atrial fibrillation can lead to serious complications, such as stroke or heart failure, among others. Patients with atrial fibrillation often require chronic medication with anticoagulant drugs to prevent clots from forming in the heart. In addition, it may be necessary to take medication to control the heart rate or even do a cardiac catheterization (ablation) to eliminate the arrhythmia. Together with you, your doctor will decide the best treatment strategy for you. The treatment and prevention of new episodes of atrial fibrillation also involves several measures that your doctor considers appropriate for you, including: Maintain an ideal weight; Avoid alcohol consumption; Control arterial hypertension; Detect the presence of sleep apnea. Author : José Ferreira Santos Read more about: Atrial fibrillation Use of smartwatches and apps for the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation Apps to measure heart rate Meet the cardiology team of the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
