What does atrial fibrillation mean?

Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Atrial fibrillation, often abbreviated as AF, is a common type of cardiac arrhythmia in the elderly. Medically, it is described as a disorderly and irregular heart rhythm without a rhythm in the atria. In layman's terms, for example, if our heartbeat is like people queuing up to buy tickets, normally everyone comes one by one in an orderly manner. Atrial fibrillation, however, is like everyone rushing to the ticketing area at once. Consequently, some people might run fast, others slow, some take up more space because they are heavier, and others less because they are thinner. Atrial fibrillation is similar to this scenario.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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What does atrial fibrillation mean?

Atrial fibrillation, often abbreviated as AF, is a common type of cardiac arrhythmia in the elderly. Medically, it is described as a disorderly and irregular heart rhythm without a rhythm in the atria. In layman's terms, for example, if our heartbeat is like people queuing up to buy tickets, normally everyone comes one by one in an orderly manner. Atrial fibrillation, however, is like everyone rushing to the ticketing area at once. Consequently, some people might run fast, others slow, some take up more space because they are heavier, and others less because they are thinner. Atrial fibrillation is similar to this scenario.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Can elderly people with atrial fibrillation take calcium tablets?

Elderly patients with atrial fibrillation can take calcium supplements if their condition requires it, such as those with osteoporosis. Generally, taking calcium supplements does not affect atrial fibrillation nor does it impact the effectiveness of the medications treating atrial fibrillation. However, calcium supplements themselves do not have an effect on atrial fibrillation and cannot reduce the occurrences of atrial fibrillation episodes. When atrial fibrillation occurs repeatedly, it is necessary to take anticoagulant medications under the guidance of a doctor, such as warfarin or the newer oral anticoagulant medication rivaroxaban, to prevent the formation of blood clots and avoid complications caused by clots from atrial fibrillation. Additionally, if the heart rate is fast, it is appropriate to take medications that control heart rate to improve symptoms.

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Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
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What medicine is used for atrial fibrillation?

The current medications for atrial fibrillation mainly include three types: the first type controls the ventricular rate, which ensures the basic function of the patient's heart and minimizes the cardiac dysfunction caused by atrial fibrillation. This includes drugs such as receptor blockers and calcium channel antagonists, digoxin, amiodarone, and others. The second type of drugs are those used for cardioversion. The third type of drugs are those used to prevent embolism, which are anticoagulants. Currently, the main drugs include warfarin, new anticoagulants such as dabigatran and rivaroxaban, and intravenous medications like low molecular weight heparin calcium and nadroparin.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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Nursing Care for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) refers to atrial fibrillation, caused primarily by organic heart diseases, commonly seen in coronary heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and pulmonary heart disease, as well as certain metabolic disorders such as hyperthyroidism. Patients with AF can experience impacts on cardiac function, and in severe cases, may develop heart failure. Nursing care primarily involves ensuring the patient rests and avoids excessive fatigue. Mild physical activities can be performed, and it is advisable to eat easily digestible foods and avoid spicy foods to reduce gastrointestinal irritation and lessen the burden on cardiac function. Attention should be paid to sleep, avoiding smoking and alcohol, routinely checking the electrocardiogram (ECG), and seeking timely medical treatment at a hospital if special conditions arise.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Can atrial fibrillation lead to sudden death?

Atrial fibrillation is a very common arrhythmia in our daily lives, but does it lead to sudden death after its onset? Generally speaking, atrial fibrillation does not cause sudden death, but this does not mean that atrial fibrillation is safe. Atrial fibrillation often poses the following risks: Firstly, it causes symptoms; repeated episodes of atrial fibrillation can cause symptoms such as palpitations and chest tightness in patients. Secondly, it triggers heart failure; acute episodes of atrial fibrillation are often a significant cause of heart failure, which necessitates hospital treatment for many patients. Thirdly, it leads to complications from blood clots, which is one of the most severe yet common complications of atrial fibrillation, leaving sequelae such as weakness in walking or hemiplegia on one side of the body.