How to diagnose atrial fibrillation?

Written by Li Hai Wen

Cardiology

Updated on January 04, 2025

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Atrial fibrillation, abbreviated as AF, refers to rapid and irregular beating of the atrial chambers of the heart. How should one be examined after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation? Generally, the examination for atrial fibrillation involves the following aspects: First, blood tests, such as thyroid function tests, to see if there is hyperthyroidism causing the atrial fibrillation. Second, echocardiography. This test can reveal whether there are any heart valve diseases or myocardial diseases that might lead to atrial fibrillation. Third, electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter monitor. Both ECG and Holter monitoring are effective and non-invasive tests that confirm the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei

Cardiology

48sec

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Is atrial fibrillation the same as atrial flutter?

Atrial fibrillation, also known simply as AFib, is the same disease just referred to by different names. Atrial fibrillation is caused by various reasons leading to pathological changes in cardiac contractility and conductivity. By using a stethoscope, a doctor can detect irregularities in heart rate and varying intensities of heart sounds. Electrocardiogram (ECG) tests can record the distinctive waveforms of atrial fibrillation. Rapid atrial fibrillation requires medication for treatment. If not effectively treated, long-term atrial fibrillation can lead to heart failure, resulting in insufficient blood supply to the body and causing significant harm.

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Written by Li Hai Wen

Cardiology

50sec

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What is good to eat for atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is a common type of arrhythmia in the elderly. After being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, there are indeed some dietary considerations to be aware of. Here are a few aspects to pay attention to: First, eat less spicy and greasy food. Spicy and greasy foods can often irritate our stomach, leading to discomfort and potentially triggering an episode of atrial fibrillation. Second, eat more vegetables and fruits. Vegetables and fruits are often rich in dietary fiber and vitamin C, which are beneficial to our health. Third, balance meat and vegetable intake and ensure nutritional balance. Foods such as pork, fish, and lean meats are rich in high-quality protein, which is beneficial for our health.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong

Cardiology

1min 35sec

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Can a normal heart rate have atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation includes paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and persistent atrial fibrillation. Patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation may have a normal heart rate during non-attack periods. In contrast, those with persistent atrial fibrillation continuously experience atrial fibrillation rates, presenting with irregular heart sounds of varying intensity. A normal electrocardiogram displays P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves. However, patients with atrial fibrillation either do not exhibit P waves or show irregularly sized, serrated P waves resembling dog teeth, suggesting atrial fibrillation. Therefore, although atrial fibrillation is associated with arrhythmias, individuals with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation may have a normal heart rate but experience repeated palpitations, chest tightness, discomfort in the precordial region, and fatigue. Therefore, patients who frequently experience palpitations should undergo a 24-hour Holter monitor test or consider esophageal electrophysiological examinations to rule out arrhythmic disorders, such as atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia. Hence, a normal heart rate does not exclude the presence of atrial fibrillation in individuals with corresponding symptoms.

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Written by Zeng Wei Jie

Cardiology

1min 8sec

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Can atrial fibrillation be completely cured?

Regarding whether atrial fibrillation can be completely cured, it essentially depends on the definition of being completely cured. If the criterion is complete cessation of medication, then many patients cannot achieve this. However, if the standard is conversion of atrial fibrillation back to normal sinus rhythm, then it is achievable for many patients, such as those with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, who suffer from recurrent episodes and do not respond well to medication. In such cases, radiofrequency ablation might be attempted, and there is a high likelihood that after the treatment, the rhythm will convert to sinus rhythm. In this sense, some people can be considered cured. However, whether anticoagulation therapy can be discontinued depends on their thromboembolic risk score. This means that even if atrial fibrillation converts to sinus rhythm after radiofrequency ablation, some patients still need long-term anticoagulant medication. Therefore, from the perspective of discontinuing medication, such patients with atrial fibrillation are not considered cured.

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Written by Li Hai Wen

Cardiology

40sec

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Can atrial fibrillation be cured?

Can atrial fibrillation be cured? Many patients often ask doctors this question, and the answer is affirmative. With the development of minimally invasive interventional treatment techniques, some patients with atrial fibrillation have been cured after radiofrequency ablation treatment and have not experienced any recurrence. As for which atrial fibrillation cases are suitable for radiofrequency ablation treatment, I suggest that if the atrial fibrillation recurs repeatedly and the symptoms are quite apparent, and the effect of medication is not ideal, one should consult a specialist cardiologist to see if radiofrequency ablation treatment is appropriate.