Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

Date: Mar-10-2017 Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, is the most common form of arrhythmia, which is a condition where a person experiences heart rhythm problems.

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation occurs when a rapid, erratic heart rate begins suddenly and then stops on its own within 7 days. It is also known as intermittent AFib and often lasts for less than 24 hours.

The American Heart Association (AHA) estimate that 2.7 million American people live with some form of AFib. The likelihood of experiencing paroxysmal AFib increases with age.

While paroxysmal AFib is not life-threatening on its own, it can have serious consequences. As a result, diagnosing and treating the problem as early as possible is very important.

Contents of this article:

Causes

Symptoms

Treatment

Living with paroxysmal AFib

Causes

Paroxysmal AFib occurs when there are abnormal electric pathways in the heart and the heart is not beating regularly or pumping enough oxygen-rich blood around the body.

Paroxysmal AFib may be caused by lifestyle choices such as illegal drugs, smoking, alcohol, obesity, and excessive exercise.

It can be associated with pre-existing or previous health conditions, such as:

previous heart attack or heart surgery

heart disease

diabetes

sleep apnea

high blood pressure

lung disease

overactive thyroid

Certain lifestyle choices can also lead to AFib, such as:

excessive alcohol

smoking

other stimulants, such as caffeine and some over-the-counter medication

illegal drugs, such as amphetamines, methamphetamines, and cocaine

being overweight or obese

stress

poor sleep

prolonged exercise

Exercise is considered a healthful habit. However, people should consult with their doctor before starting a new workout or increasing the intensity of their exercise. In some cases, increased physical exercise can also lead to AFib due to the strain it can place on the heart.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of paroxysmal AFib are:

Heart palpitations and shortness of breath may be common symptoms of paroxysmal AFib.

racing heart or palpitations

shortness of breath

dizziness or light-headedness

fatigue or weakness

nausea

If anyone is experiencing any of these symptoms, they should contact their doctor as soon as they notice them. Even if the symptoms go away, it is important for people to have a physical examination and monitor their heart's activity.

Sometimes, there are no symptoms at all. However, a doctor will be able to diagnose the problem with a physical exam or an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).

An ECG is a simple test that involves having sensors attached to the skin on the arms, legs, and chest. The sensors detect electrical signals each time the heart beats. A doctor uses the signals to identify any problems. An ECG test normally only takes a few minutes.

Complications

Most cases of paroxysmal AFib will pass naturally, but AFib can lead to serious consequences. So, if a person experiences a change in the rhythm of their heart, they should seek medical help right away.

In the most serious cases, paroxysmal AFib can lead to heart failure or a stroke. According to the AHA, people who have AFib are five times more likely to have a stroke than other people.

This is because AFib affects blood flow around the body. Blood can become static and can clot in the upper chamber of the heart. If this is then pumped to the brain, it can clog an artery and cause a stroke.

Warning signs of a stroke:

face drooping

numbness or weakness of arm, face, or leg, especially down one side of the body

difficulty speaking or understanding speech

trouble seeing out of one or both eyes

dizziness, loss of balance and coordination, and trouble walking

sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Treatment

There are a number of treatment options, which include:

Rate control medication: This is the most common AFib treatment. Its aim is to lower the heart rate to between 60 and 80 beats per minute while at rest and also regulate electrical currents.

Rhythm control: Sometimes known as medical cardioversion, rhythm control aims to bring the heart back to a natural rhythm.

Blood thinners or anticoagulants: Doctors may prescribe these drugs to stop the blood from clotting, which in turn decrease the likelihood of a stroke.

Electrical cardioversion: This treatment uses an electrical current to restore the heart to a natural rhythm. This treatment aims to achieve the same goal as rhythm control medication. It is more commonly used for people who have been experiencing paroxysmal AFib for more than 48 hours.

Doctors will often give blood thinners alongside electrical cardioversion to limit the chances of a stroke during the process.

Another procedure to treat AFib, called catheter ablation, involves scarring the areas of the heart that are causing problems. Paroxysmal AFib occurs when heart's electrical current reaches heart muscle that it wouldn't normally reach, which causes irregular or erratic heartbeats. Scarring the area prevents this from happening.

During this procedure, a doctor inserts thin wires called catheters into a vein in a person's neck or groin. These wires are then guided to the heart, where heated electrodes on the end of the wires scar the problem area.

A person undergoing this procedure will usually be given a local anesthetic at the area where the wires are inserted. The person is usually awake during the procedure but some people may be sedated. Most people will be able to go home on the same day, although others may be kept in overnight.

Because of the increased risk of complications occurring during surgery, doctors are likely to recommend that people who experience paroxysmal AFib should take medication in the first instance.

Changes in lifestyle

Giving up smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol will help limit the chance of a person developing paroxysmal AFib. People should also eat a healthful and balanced diet and try to lose weight if they are overweight or obese.

Avoiding stress as much as possible is also a good way for a person to reduce their chances of developing AFib. Prolonged or sudden stress can link to AFib, so limiting stress and practicing stress-relieving exercises such as yoga can help.

Living with paroxysmal AFib

Most people with paroxysmal AFib live normal and healthy lives, even those who require treatment. Living well with paroxysmal AFib involves controlling the risk factors, knowing what can trigger AFib, and working out a long-term management plan with a doctor.

Normal daily activities should not be affected with a paroxysmal AFib diagnosis, but certain activities such as driving should be discussed with a doctor.

Here are some commonly asked questions about living with paroxysmal AFib.

Can I exercise or have sex?

People should be able to enjoy all of their normal daily activities. While prolonged exercise can be linked with paroxysmal AFib, moderate exercise is a good thing. People should discuss with their doctor what levels of exercise they would be able to cope with.

Regular sexual activity can be both good for the heart and help to relieve stress.

Can I drive?

Yes. Sometimes paroxysmal AFib can cause dizziness or light-headedness, so people should always check with their doctor first.

If anyone begins to experience symptoms of AFib, they should always pull over to a safe area at the side of the road.

Can I still drink alcohol and caffeine?

Moderate alcohol intake should be fine, but people should avoid drinking excessive alcohol. It is advised for people to try and have at least 2 to 3 alcohol-free days a week.

With caffeinated drinks, such as tea, coffee, and energy drinks, there is no strong evidence linking their consumption with AFib. However, high caffeine intake can cause increased blood pressure, which is linked to AFib. As such, limiting caffeine to a moderate level is also advised.

Can I travel?

If paroxysmal AFib is being treated and is stable then there is no reason that people cannot travel and fly. However, always check with a doctor first as extreme temperatures and high altitudes can cause problems. When travelling, people should make sure they have enough medication for the entire period of their travel.

The majority of AFib patients can get travel insurance, although the premium may be higher.

How does paroxysmal AFib change over time?

If symptoms continue for more than a week, the condition becomes persistent AFib. This can be treated in much the same way.

If persistent AFib occurs more frequently, it may develop into permanent AFib. If this happens, normal heart rhythm cannot be restored with treatment.

People should always check with their doctor if they have any concerns.

Written by Tom Seymour

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.