Atrial Fibrillation: Restoring Vigor to the Heart
- Posted on 23/03/2024 15:37
- Film
- By raymonddzakpata@sante-education.tg
Extract from the article: One of the most common heart conditions, atrial fibrillation, remains relatively unknown to the general public. Underdiagnosed, it is nevertheless among the leading causes of stroke. When detected early, it can be cured in a minimally invasive ma....
One
of the most common heart conditions, atrial fibrillation, remains relatively
unknown to the general public. Underdiagnosed, it is nevertheless among the
leading causes of stroke. When detected early, it can be cured in a minimally
invasive manner, as an alternative to medication-based treatments.
The
term atrial fibrillation (AF) has not yet entered common parlance, as
myocardial infarction or heart failure might have. However, AF constitutes the
most frequent cardiac rhythm disorder, affecting 33 million patients worldwide.
AF is identified when the contractions of the left atrium of the heart are
irregular. Blood drains poorly and stagnates in this part of the heart muscle.
Primary Risk Factors
Age is the primary risk factor for AF:
before the age of 50, the incidence in the population is 0.1%. This figure
rises to 1% after 70 years and can reach up to 5% after 75 years. The dilation
and fibrosis of the left heart cavities become increasingly significant with
age. Lifestyle and its impact on the heart muscle also play a role: diabetes,
hypertension, obesity, sleep apnea—all these comorbidities also have a negative
impact on AF. Patients who have several of these factors are at high risk of
developing this cardiac rhythm disorder.
Risks Associated with AF
The
dilation and poor contraction of a part of the heart, the atrial cavities, can
lead to the formation of a blood clot and thus impair brain irrigation. This
mechanism is the cause of stroke, with its own increased risk. Today, it is
estimated that patients with AF are five times more likely to have a stroke
than the general population.
Consulting a Doctor, an Essential
Indicator
In
some cases, patients are asymptomatic, and AF is then classified as silent.
Initially, taking the pulse at the general practitioner's office is essential
for detecting an arrhythmia. This essential step helps to promptly refer the
patient to a cardiologist if AF is suspected.
Elom AKAKPO
Source: Dr. Serge Boveda, Cardiologist
(France)
