Atrial fibrillation is a cardiac arrhythmia caused by a disruption of the heart’s electrical impulses. It can be caused by various factors, including congenital heart conditions, heart attacks, lung disease, infections, and chronic stimulant use. Symptoms can vary in intensity and presentation, and treatment involves restoring and maintaining the heart’s natural rhythm with medication and surgery. Failure to treat atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke and compromise heart health.
Atrial fibrillation pathophysiology is the terminology used to describe the progression of physiologic changes associated with a cardiac arrhythmia. Defined by a chaotic rhythm originating in the atria, or upper chambers of the heart, the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation is initiated by an interruption of the heart’s electrical impulses. Treatment given for atrial fibrillation is based on restoring and maintaining the heart’s natural rhythm with medications and, in some cases, surgery.
Proper heart function is essentially based on rhythm. Triggered and controlled by electrical impulses, the heart flexes and relaxes according to the signals it receives. When there is a disruption of the electrical impulse in the atria, the heart will quiver and not complete a full, strong beat. To compensate for the disruption, the heart works harder, resulting in an out-of-sync heart rhythm.
The pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation can develop for a variety of reasons. Individuals with a congenital heart condition and those who have suffered a heart attack are generally considered to be at an increased risk of developing chaotic rhythm. Other causes of fibrillation can include lung disease, infections, and chronic use of stimulants, such as caffeine.
Depending on whether your condition is episodic or chronic, the symptoms associated with atrial fibrillation can vary in intensity and presentation. It is not uncommon for some individuals with an unsynchronized heart rhythm to remain asymptomatic, meaning they experience no obvious symptoms. Those experiencing chronic signs will generally notice a gradual worsening of symptoms as the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation progresses.
Heart tremor is the most common initial sign of atrial fibrillation. Some people may describe shaking as feeling like their heart is struggling to beat or racing. In some cases, if the heartbeat is persistent, individuals may feel weak or drained with little or no effort. Lack of adequate blood flow can lead to feelings of faintness or dizziness. As symptoms worsen, chest discomfort accompanied by shortness of breath may develop.
Once atrial fibrillation is detected, the goal of treatment is to restore regular heart rhythm, also known as normal sinus rhythm. Various diagnostic tests, including an electrocardiogram (ECG) taken to measure the electrical conductivity of the heart, can be used to determine the extent of the arrhythmia or out-of-sync heart rhythm. Depending on the severity of your condition, the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation can result in impaired blood circulation that can significantly increase your risk of stroke. Prolonged arrhythmia that is not treated in a timely or appropriate manner can weaken the heart muscle and ultimately compromise heart health.
The pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation frequently requires the administration of antiarrhythmic drugs and anticoagulants to restore normal sinus rhythm and prevent blood clots. Surgical procedures, including the use of electric shocks administered with the aid of anesthesia, can be used to treat arrhythmias that do not respond to drugs. Once regular sinus rhythm has been re-established, antiarrhythmic drugs can be given long-term to maintain the heart rhythm.
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