ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AN OVERVIEW

 

                                                              Atrial Fibrillation      Atrial fibrillation is a rapid , irregular arrhythmia. It is caused by the atria
    ( upper heart chambers) beating rapidly and out of character. There is no P
     wave on the EKG.

    The SA ( sinoatrial node) is the pacemaker of the heart. When the SA 
    node fires, the atria contract simultaneously. This causes blood to be
    pumped into the ventricles.

   In Atrial fibrillation the atria beats rapidly and there are no real contractions.
   The atria "quiver", but not contract.An irritable focus in the atria, seeks to do
   the work of the SA node.This results in ineffective emptying of the atria.
   Ultimately, the formation of blood clots may occur. 
    
    Causes of Atrial fibrillation include: COPD, anxiety, heart disease and more. 
    Symptoms include : chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations and dizziness.

   Beta blockers as well as calcium channel blockers are first line medications 
   used to treat A Fib. They work to control heart rate. Cardioversion is sometimes 
   done. This is usually scheduled by the doctor.
  
   The patient with Atria fibrillation, is at risk for stroke. A blood clot may travel to 
    the brain and cause a stroke.
    Learn more: What is a stroke?

   Anticoagulation therapy, may also be ordered , to prevent blood clot formation.
  
 


Please enjoy watching the video: Do you know your heart





















Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT AN AORTIC ABDOMINAL ANEURYSM

Image
  Scenario : Mr. S is an elderly male who has a longstanding history of hypertension. He suddenly develops throbbing  pain in the abdomen. He notified his doctor and was admitted to the hospital for tests. A CAT scan would reveal an  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Surgical intervention for AAA was done emergently. Following surgery, Mr.S was transferred to the ICU  for a higher level of care. During his stay, his vital  signs, neurological, cardiac and respiratory status   would all be monitored. Please click on the links for more learning: Hemodynamic Monitoring Info for the layperson
Read more

CHEST PAIN ASSESSMENT AND EKG - QUIZ

Image
                       Chest pain assessment Chest pain is a very common complaint . It may occur anywhere and anytime, even at rest. It may be related to stress or actual damage to the heart. A patient having a heart attack , may very readily complain of chest pain. Helpful hints : If the patient in your care is complaining of chest pain,   immediate action should be taken to assess the pain. Chest pain may be sharp, severe and stabbing. It may also feel like pressure in the chest or  Like a pair of hands squeezing the chest.  It is important to do a pain assessment on a scale of 1-10 and document results. It is also of note to ask the patient to describe the character  and duration of the pain. Always remember to document all interventions. Follow your Institution's policies, procedures and MD orders for chest pain. Do you know your heart Simple EKG interpretation: The EKG (Electrocardiogram) is a noninvasive, simple diagnostic test. It is  a reflection of  the electrical condu
Read more

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK - QUIZ QUESTIONS

Image
Myocardial infarction A heart attack is the layman's term for a (MI) myocardial infarction.     It is caused by  a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle. A blood clot  or plaque, may obstruct the flow of blood. This typically occurs in the    patient with CAD (   coronary artery disease) .  Symptoms include:                           chest pain which may radiate to the shoulder and jaw, pressure or                                                                      tightness in the chest, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath.                                                                                                              Cardiogenic shock The left ventricle receives its blood supply from the LAD ( left anterior descending) artery. If the flow of blood to the left ventricle is obstructed by a clot or plaque, part  of the heart muscle may die. This lack of blood flow to the left ventricle causes pump failure. Cardiogenic shock may result from pump fail
Read more