Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: What Causes It and How to Best Treat It?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of irregular heartbeat that can cause symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. AFib can sometimes be resolved naturally, but Persistent AFib is a type of AFib that does not go away on its own, requiring treatment to restore a normal heart rhythm. Persistent AFib can be managed with medication, medical procedures, or surgery, depending on both the severity and the underlying causes of the condition.

It is important for individuals with persistent AFib to work with their healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan and manage their condition. This may include lifestyle changes such as having a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding triggers such as alcohol and caffeine.

What is the difference between Paroxysmal and Persistent atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of abnormal heart rhythm in which the atria (the upper chambers of the heart) beat irregularly and rapidly.

It can occur in two forms: paroxysmal and persistent.

Paroxysmal AFib is characterized by episodes of AFib that come and go. These episodes can last from a few minutes to a few days, and can be triggered by factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, or exercise. Paroxysmal AFib is often self-terminating, meaning that it can stop on its own without treatment.

Persistent AFib, on the other hand, is a continuous or sustained episode of AFib that lasts for more than seven days. It may require medical intervention to return the heart to a normal rhythm. Persistent AFib is more serious than paroxysmal AFib because it increases the risk of stroke and other complications.

In general, the treatment and management of paroxysmal and persistent AFib can be similar, but persistent AFib may require more aggressive treatment and a longer-term management plan.

What are the causes of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation?

There are several potential causes of persistent AFib, including:

1. Coronary artery disease: This is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to the accumulation of plaque. Coronary artery disease can lead to persistent AFib.
2. High blood pressure: High blood pressure (hypertension) can damage the heart and increase the risk of AFib.
3. Heart problems: Certain heart conditions, such as valvular heart disease (problems with the heart valves) or cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), can lead to persistent AFib.
4. Thyroid disease: Abnormalities in the thyroid gland (a gland in the neck that produces hormones) can cause persistent AFib.
5. Pulmonary embolism: This is a serious condition in which a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. A Pulmonary embolism can cause persistent AFib.
6. Alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption can increase the risk of persistent AFib.
7. Other risk factors: Other risk factors for persistent AFib include advancing age, family history of AFib, and certain medication.

How is Persistent AFib diagnosed?

Many people with AFib show no symptoms at all, making diagnosis challenging. As a result, most people with AFib don’t learn they have it until they go in for a checkup for something else.

However, those exhibiting any concerning symptoms should consult a medical professional for an official diagnosis. Either way, a doctor will inquire about the patient’s health background and prescribe various diagnostic procedures to this end.

Doctors can evaluate the progression of paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation if you’ve previously been diagnosed with it. Early stages of AFib can be diagnosed with an ECG, but more advanced or persistent AFib requires additional testing.

The following are some suggestions your physician may make:

1. Checking blood levels for underlying conditions that may be contributing to the development of AFib, such as thyroid problems
2. The use of chest X-rays to examine your heart’s chambers and valves, and to keep tabs on your heart’s health in general
3. Using sound waves – an echocardiogram can detect any damage the heart has sustained.
4. Reading your heart rate and rhythm following exercise is known as a “stress test.”

Persistent AFib treatment

When you have persistent AFib, your heart rhythm is so severely abnormal that it cannot be restored without medical intervention. In addition, blood clots, which can cause cardiac arrest or a stroke, become more likely. The goal of treating persistent AFib is to reduce the likelihood of life-threatening blood clots and restore a regular heartbeat. Treatment for persistent AFib may include medication to control your heart rate, and blood thinners to prevent blood clots. In some cases, a procedure called cardioversion may be used to shock the heart and restore a normal rhythm. In more severe cases, surgery such as a maze procedure or ablation may be necessary to correct the underlying cause of the AFib.

Medication

Medication that may be used to treat persistent AF:

1. Antiarrhythmic drugs: This medication helps restore a normal heart rhythm and prevent AF episodes. Examples include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and flecainide.
2. Blood thinners: This medication, such as warfarin or dabigatran, helps prevent blood clots that can lead to stroke in people with AF.
3. Rate control medications: This medication (beta blockers or calcium channel blockers) helps slow down the heart rate and control symptoms during AF episodes.
4. Cardioversion: This procedure involves the use of electrical shocks or medication to restore a normal heart rhythm. It is usually performed in cases of persistent AF that do not respond to other treatments.

Other Methods

Catheter ablation is a surgical treatment that has shown promise in stabilising the heart rhythm in patients with chronic AFib. These procedures necessitate opening the chest to reach the hyperactive cardiac tissue. In addition to medicine or surgery, your doctor may suggest a change in your way of life to help with your condition.

 These changes include:

1. Diet changes
2. Stress management
3. The management of chronic illnesses
4. Exercise

It can be more challenging to treat persistent AFib if it is not detected for an extended period of time. Permanent AFib might develop if persistent AFib is not treated.

 Accurate management and treatment of AFib is the best defence against its potential side effects. Talk to your doctor about your treatment choices if you have been diagnosed with persistent AFib.

 Finally, using a smart heart monitor allows you to constantly keep tabs on the functioning of your heart. Purchase the revolutionary Frontier X2 heart monitoring device, and stay on top of your heart health at all times!

Frequently Asked Questions on Persistent AFib :

How can I lower my chances of developing chronic Atrial Fibrillation?

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation can be managed with therapy, but lifestyle adjustments are often helpful. You may be recommended to avoid or modify certain activities if they cause your heart rate to become abnormally fast or irregular.

What should I do if I have persistent Atrial Fibrillation?

People with persistent Atrial Fibrillation can lead normal, active lives with proper treatment and regular management. However, the longer persistent Afib goes untreated, the more difficult it becomes to manage.

When should I seek medical attention for persistent Afib?

If you experience persistent Atrial Fibrillation symptoms, you must see your doctor right away. Heart palpitations and difficulty breathing are examples of these symptoms.

Is it necessary for me to restrict or limit my travel?

The heart may be affected by high altitudes and extreme temperatures. You should also be worried about your ability to drive safely or compete in sports.

How do I look after myself if I have Persistent AFib?

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions to manage problems and treat symptoms of persistent Afib. Your provider can collaborate with you to create a personalised care plan to improve your health.

Other Heart Health Topics To Explore:

AFib Episodes | Hypothyroidism and Heart Arrhythmias | Arrhythmia Causes | Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation | Aquatic Exercise for Heart Health | Atrial Fibrillation and Exercise | Types of Atrial Fibrillation | Best Devices To Monitor Heart Health | Low Carb Diet | Heart Rate Monitor

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