When the Heart loses its rhythm. Atrial Fibrillation.

When one of the greatest marathon runners from the 2012 London Olympics could barely move on the morning after the race, alarm bells started to ring. A simple check of his pulse, which was fast and irregular, was the key. An electrocardiogram was conclusive: Atrial Fibrillation.

Atrial Fibrillation is the most frequent type of arrhythmia, consistent with irregular and fast heartbeats, and with a variable durability of less than 48h or Paroxystic AF, to permanent if it is maintained for a long period of time.

Its most severe consequences can be a stroke, as thrombi are displaced from the heart to the brain through the rapid heartbeat, which could cause cardiac insufficiency, which is also very dangerous.

In United Kingdom, more than a million people suffer from this illness, with the same approximate number of people suffering from it in Spain, and according to the latest figures posted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) its expected that more than 30 million people will be affected in USA and Europe in 2050.

Causes of Atrial Fibrillation.

• Patients that have previous valve, coronary and congenital heart pathologies, etc.
• High blood pressure.
• Diabetes.
• Untreated Hyperthyroidism.
• Pulmonary illnesses.
• An excessive intake of alcohol or energy drinks.
• It could also happen without having any previous medical history.

Eventhough it is most frequently common in people over the age of 60, younger adults are beginning to suffer from it as well.

The most common symptoms are:

• Palpitations.
• Feeling of suffocation.
• Dizziness.
• Pain the chest.
• Extreme tiredness or no symptoms are shown. 

The first option would be to take antiarrhythmics as treatment, sometimes accompanied by anticoagulants to prevent the risk of forming thrombi. The latest treatments for arterial fibrillation, such as radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation or surgery, have changed the life expectancy and quality of life of patients that have been able to have access to them.

Lastly, I will say that something as simple as knowing how take the radial pulse or over the wrist, can save a life. Let us learn how to do so!!.

Dr. J. Hurtado Martínez
Medical Director of HealthSalus