Atrial fibrillation symptoms

Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
Updated on September 19, 2024
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Atrial fibrillation is a common type of arrhythmia we encounter in our daily lives. So, what symptoms generally accompany atrial fibrillation? These symptoms are often characterized by sudden onset and cessation of palpitations, or chest tightness. During palpitations or chest tightness, dizziness often accompanies, and some patients may experience chest pain. If you exhibit these symptoms, don't panic. You can visit the cardiology outpatient department at a hospital. There, a doctor can perform an electrocardiogram or a Holter monitor test to see if you have atrial fibrillation. Blood tests can also be done to check if hyperthyroidism, a potential cause of atrial fibrillation, is present. Based on these examinations, follow the doctor's guidance and take medications as prescribed for treatment.

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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 Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Can hormones be used for atrial fibrillation?

Patients with atrial fibrillation can use steroids, but in principle, it is best not to use them. This is because the use of steroids can cause excitement of the sympathetic nerves, leading to an increased heart rate, which in turn can trigger an episode of atrial fibrillation and cause uncomfortable heart symptoms, such as palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. Of course, atrial fibrillation is not a contraindication for the use of steroids. If the condition requires it, such as during an asthma attack or certain immunological diseases, steroids can be used. When using steroids, it is important to strengthen observation and inform the patient to seek timely medical attention at a hospital if symptoms of an atrial fibrillation episode, such as palpitations or chest tightness, occur.

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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 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.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Atrial fibrillation symptoms

Atrial fibrillation is a common type of arrhythmia we encounter in our daily lives. So, what symptoms generally accompany atrial fibrillation? These symptoms are often characterized by sudden onset and cessation of palpitations, or chest tightness. During palpitations or chest tightness, dizziness often accompanies, and some patients may experience chest pain. If you exhibit these symptoms, don't panic. You can visit the cardiology outpatient department at a hospital. There, a doctor can perform an electrocardiogram or a Holter monitor test to see if you have atrial fibrillation. Blood tests can also be done to check if hyperthyroidism, a potential cause of atrial fibrillation, is present. Based on these examinations, follow the doctor's guidance and take medications as prescribed for treatment.