A lot of people misunderstand the causes and potential side effects of atrial fibrillation (commonly known as Afib). Even among those who have coped with the disorder for years, there is a mistaken belief that the condition is harmless. In reality, it is not.
It can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other consequences.
To review, Afib is characterized as an erratic discharge of rapid electrical impulses that spread across your heart’s atria (i.e. the two upper chambers). Rather than contracting in sync with your heart’s ventricles (i.e. the two lower chambers), the atria flutter – or fibrillate. In some cases, the disorder causes no noticeable symptoms. In other cases, the patient might be at risk of experiencing medical events that can be life-threatening.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the dangerous risks involved with not addressing atrial fibrillation. We’ll also detai an operation known as the maze procedure that a growing number of surgeons are using to help solve the problem.
The Risk Of Stroke
A stroke is caused by blood clots that clog one of the arteries of the brain. Clots rarely form in these arteries; instead, they form elsewhere, break away, and travel along your bloodstream.
Atrial fibrillation can result in the pooling of blood with one or both of your atria. As a result, the blood begins to clot. As long as the clots remain inside the atria, they pose little danger. However, they can break away and move through your ventricles on their way to the aorta.
Blood flows from your heart into the aorta and toward your brain. The clots and then travel through your bloodstream until they reach and clog a major artery. That produces a stroke. Common symptoms of a stroke can include partial paralysis, eye problems, and difficulty remembering things.
The Risk Of Heart Failure
Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle is overworked to the point of exhaustion. This can happen for a number of reasons, including coronary artery disease, diabetes, and of course, atrial fibrillation. In the latter case, the rapid electrical signals cause the atria to flutter so quickly that they eventually wear themselves out and weaken the heart. That reduces your heart’s ability to pump blood effectively throughout your body. As a result, the heart muscle becomes enlarged and is further weakened.
Secondary Side Effects
The reduced ability of your heart muscle to pump oxygen-rich blood to your tissue and organs can produce a number of secondary side effects. For instance, your lower extremites (i.e. ankles and feet) may begin to swell. Moreover, it’s quite common for the abdomen to also begin expanding.
Depending on the severity of the Afib-induced heart failure, you may experience a level of organ damage. This is due to your organs not receiving a sufficient supply of oxygen-rich blood.
You might also develop a persistent cough and shortness of breath if the condition produces excess fluid around your lungs. Unless Afib is resolved, these side effects can become permanent.
Maze Procedure To Resolve Afib
The most common method for addressing atrial fibrillation is the maze procedure. This is an operation during which your surgeon will create incisions or use catheter ablation to produce a maze of scar tissue across the surface of your atria. Scar tissue cannot conduct electricity. By creating this path, your surgeon can disrupt the erratic patterns of the electrical impulses. In effect, the surgeon is able to guide the signals along a defined path, thereby eliminating the fluttering and restoring a uniform rhythm for your heartbeat.
Atrial fibrillation can remain undetected for years. This has been attributed to many patients never seeking treatment. The problem is, the conditin can be very risky, depending on the severity of the case. If you suspect you have Afib, consult your doctor regarding whether the maze procedure is an appropriate solution for your circumstances.
Other Related Posts:
Treating Atrial Fibrillation With the Maze Procedure
While it has traditionally been treated with medications such as anti-arrhythmics and shock therapy, the Maze procedure is far more effective. In this article, we’ll provide a brief overview of atrial fibrillation and describe how Maze …
Treating Atrial Fibrillation With The Maze Procedure
Over 2 million people in the US suffer from atrial fibrillation (also referred to as AF or AFib). The likelihood of developing the condition increases as you grow older. It is estimated that nearly 5% of those who are over the age of 65 …
How to Prepare for the Atrial Maze Procedure
The atrial maze procedure is a common treatment for atrial fibrillation. However, because it is often performed through open surgery, you may require up to six months for a full recovery. Finding the right doctor for Atrial Fibrillation …
Introduction to Different Types of Maze Surgery
The maze procedure is the primary form of treatment for resolving atrial fibrillation (Afib). If the condition is not severe, doctors may suggest alternative solutions, such as anticoagulants, electrical cardioversion, and medications. …
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation and Its Effects
If you suffer from AF, ask your doctor whether a maze procedure is a viable solution. Finding the right doctor for Atrial Fibrillation or cardiac surgery is crucial. Visit a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment … .
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