❤️ Atrial Fibrillation (AF) – Dr. Chabok
“Atrial Fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting over 1 million people in the UK. If left untreated, it significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart failure.”
🔹 🩺 What is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a condition where the heart beats irregularly and often too fast. This disrupts the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, increasing the risk of blood clots, stroke, and other complications.
✔️ Normal heart rate: 60–100 bpm
✔️ AF heart rate: Often over 140 bpm
🔹 📊 Types of Atrial Fibrillation
✅ Paroxysmal AF – Episodes come and go, usually stopping within 48 hours without treatment.
✅ Persistent AF – Lasts more than 7 days, requiring medical treatment.
✅ Longstanding Persistent AF – Lasts over a year, requiring long-term management.
🔹 ⚠️ Risks & Complications of AF
📍 Stroke 🧠 – Blood clots from the heart can travel to the brain, doubling stroke risk.
📍 Heart Failure ❤️ – Prolonged AF can weaken the heart, making it less efficient at pumping blood.
📍 Dizziness & Shortness of Breath 🌬️ – Due to poor circulation and irregular heartbeats.
🔹 🩺 Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation
- Fast, irregular heartbeat (palpitations) ❤️🔥
- Tiredness & fatigue 🛌
- Breathlessness 😮💨
- Dizziness or lightheadedness 💫
- Chest pain (angina) 🚨
🔹 🔎 Causes & Triggers of AF
📍 Heart-related conditions: High blood pressure, atherosclerosis, valve disease, cardiomyopathy.
📍 Medical conditions: Hyperthyroidism, diabetes, lung diseases, pneumonia.
📍 Lifestyle factors: Excess alcohol 🍷, caffeine ☕, smoking 🚬, obesity ⚖️, drug use ❌.
🔹 📉 Diagnosis & Monitoring
✔️ Electrocardiogram (ECG) 📈 – Records abnormal heart rhythms.
✔️ Holter Monitoring ⏳ – 24-hour heart rhythm tracking.
✔️ Echocardiography 🩺 – Checks heart structure & function.
🔹 💊 Treatment Options for AF
✅ Heart Rate & Rhythm Control – Medications to regulate heartbeats.
✅ Cardioversion – Electrical shock therapy to restore normal rhythm.
✅ Anticoagulation Therapy – Blood thinners (e.g., Warfarin, DOACs) to prevent clots & stroke.
✅ Ablation Therapy – A procedure to destroy abnormal heart tissue causing AF.
📌 “All patients with persistent AF should be considered for long-term anticoagulation treatment to prevent stroke.” (NICE Guidance, 2006)
🔹 📞 Need More Information?
🌐 NHS Atrial Fibrillation Guide: www.nhs.uk/conditions/Atrial-fibrillation
🌐 Arrhythmia Alliance: www.arrhythmiaalliance.org.uk
🌐 Stroke Association: www.stroke.org.uk
🌐 British Heart Foundation: www.bhf.org.uk
Dr. Chabok provides expert AF diagnosis, treatment, and stroke prevention strategies to improve heart health and quality of life. ❤️
