When it comes to the science of heart health, we couldall use some expert information and advice. That's why we've enlisted St.Vincent's Health System local sponsor of the Go Red For Womencampaign here in Birmingham to help contribute to The Heart Beat blog. Theirdoctors, nurses and health staff will be providing regular information on avariety of heart health topics. We call it "Expert Corner." Enjoy!
Today's Expert Corner was provided by Dr. Jose Osorio,a cardiac electrophysiologist at the
Today, we are going to examine some of the dangers of atrial fibrillation.Atrialfibrillation and the lack of organized electrical activity have twoconsequences that are the root cause of all the problems and symptoms createdby this condition:
The atria cannot contract, or squeeze to help push blood forwardElectrical impulses will reach the AV node very fast, and the AV node will regulate how many impulses will be conducted to the ventricle.The lack of contraction and the fast irregular pulse lead to the problems created by atrial fibrillation:
Symptoms associated with atrial fibrillation: Increased risk of stroke; Risk of developing congestive heart failureSomepeople live for years with atrial fibrillation without problems. However, ifnot properly treated, atrial fibrillation can lead to future problems.
Increased Risk of Stroke
Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke: Blood clots can form in the left atrium and, if they dislodge, can go to the brain. That can cut off circulation, which will cause a stroke.St. Vincent's Health SystemAtrialfibrillation causes the atria to beat so fast and irregularly that there is nomeaningful contraction or motion in the upper chamber of the heart. Thereare areas in the upper chamber where blood can stay relatively stagnant when inAfib the left atrial appendage being the most important one. This makes theblood more likely to clot.Ifa clot develops in the appendage and is pumped out of the heart, it can travelto the brain, where it will cut off circulation, resulting in a stroke. Peoplewith atrial fibrillation are 5 to 7 times more likely to have a stroke than thegeneral population.
It is estimated that over 90% of strokes happening inpatients with Afib come from blood clots formed in the left atrial appendage.Clots can also travel to other parts of the body (kidneys, heart, intestines),and cause other damage.
Studieshave shown that the risk of stroke increases when patients have other riskfactors. We typically use the CHADS2 or CHADS2-Vasc risk scoring systems topredict one's annual risk of stroke.
Themore risk factors for stroke a patient has, the higher the annual risk ofstroke. That is, your risk of having a stroke each year will increasesignificantly the more points you have.
Thereare now many strategies to reduce the risk of stroke. This decision is alwaysindividualized, based on one's risk factors and other conditions that maycontraindicate the use of certain drugs.
at this link.
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