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| What is it? |
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| A completely irregular heartbeat, arising from the hearts upper chamber (atrium), and conducted downwards to the hearts main chambers (ventricles). |
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| Causes |
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| 1. Atherosclerosis of coronary arteries, with or without a previous heart attack. |
| 2. Hyperthyroidism. |
| 3. Congestive heart failure. |
| 4. Rheumatic heart disease caused by rheumatic fever. |
| 5. Stress related. |
| 6. Chronic lung disease. |
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| Signs and Symptoms |
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| * Continuously irregular heartbeat, in which no 2 beats are of equal strength or duration. |
| * No symptoms (sometimes). |
| * Weakness, dizziness or faintness (sometimes). |
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| Associated Factors |
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| * Stress. |
| * Recent surgery. |
| * Electrolyte disturbances, especially low potassium. |
| * Pulmonary embolism. |
| * Excessive use of some drugs, such as thyroid hormones, caffeine and others. |
| * Smoking. |
| * Excess alcohol consumption. |
| * Excessive weight. |
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| Prevention |
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| * Stop smoking, reduce alcohol intake. |
| * Follow suggestions under Diet. Children and young adults of parents with this condition may benefit from a low-fat diet. |
| * some symptoms can be controlled with medications. |
| * Those whose rhythm is restored to normal have a longer life expectancy, greater strength and more energy than those who have continuing atrial fibrillation. |
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| General |
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| * Diagnostic tests include electrocardiogram and blood studies to measure levels of drugs used in treatment. |
| * Hospitalization (sometimes). |
| * Electric shock (electrocardioversion), which may restore normal rhythm. |
| * Have family members and friends learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case you have cardiac arrest. |
| * Don't smoke and don't drink more than 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks, if any, a day. |
| * Learn to check your own pulse for rate and rhythm. |
| * Minimize stress. |
| * Avoid non-prescription decongestants. |
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| Medication |
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| * Heart medications, such as digitalis, quinidine, calcium-channel blockers or beta-adrenergic blockers to regulate the heartbeat. |
| * Anticoagulants to prevent blood clot (you will need regular blood tests to monitor the effect). |
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| Activity |
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| * Resume your normal activities as symptoms improve. |
| * A regular exercise program is recommended. |
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| Diet |
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| * Lose weight if you are obese, but don't use appetite suppressants. These may worsen rhythm disturbances. |
| * The underlying heart condition may require a low-salt or low-fat diet and potassium supplements. |
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| Possible Complications |
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| * Arterial thrombosis or embolus. |
| * Acute pulmonary edema. |
| * Congestive heart failure. |
| * Other heartbeat irregularities that could trigger cardiac arrest. |
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| Prognosis |
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| A normal heartbeat rhythm can be restored with electrocardioversion in about 50% of patients. In the other 50%, heart rate can be controlled with medications. |
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