2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association
Heartbeats Out Of Sync? Expert Explains Atrial Fibrillation, Its Types, Symptoms, And Treatment
The human heart is a wonder, just about the size of your closed fist, tirelessly beating throughout one's entire lifetime. These rhythmic and synchronised beats pump blood efficiently to all parts of the body. The process of maintaining a normal rhythm is controlled by electric signals sent out by the upper right chamber of the heart. However, sometimes these electric signals become erratic and result in heartbeats that are 'arrhythmic' or irregular. This condition is known as Atrial Fibrillation (AF or AFib) and may lead to complications, such as stroke and heart failure. We spoke to our expert Dr Prakash Kumar Hazra, Head – Department Of Cardiology, AMRI Hospitals, Kolkata, who explained this condition, its types, causes, symptoms, and treatment strategies,
According to StatPearls, AF stands as the prevailing form of cardiac arrhythmia, primarily attributed to irregular electrical impulses within the heart's atria, resulting in fibrillation. This condition is identified as a tachyarrhythmia, indicating frequent episodes of rapid heart rate.
Causes and Susceptibility
Structural damage to the heart is a common cause of erratic electric signal behaviour. Individuals most susceptible to AF include those with:
According to a 2017 study, risk factors associated with AF trigger alterations in the structure and histopathology of the atrium, marked by fibrosis, inflammation, and cellular as well as molecular modifications.
Also Read: Heart Failure And Weight Gain: Expert Explains The Connection Between The Two
Types and SymptomsDr Hazra said that AF can manifest in two primary forms, including:
People who have either of the two types of AF can feel these irregular heartbeats as fluttering or pounding in the chest or palpitations. Its symptoms include:
"In the long term, the faulty pumping system leads to the pooling of blood in the upper chambers of the heart. This can lead to the formation of a blood clot that can reach the brain and cause a stroke", said Dr Hazra.
Diagnosis and AwarenessSome individuals with AF do not manifest symptoms of the condition. In fact, 40% of people are unaware that they are living with this condition.
"Diagnosis often occurs when they get a stroke. This is dangerous because a stroke can often lead to permanent brain damage and disability. Studies have shown that 10-25% of people who get a stroke have underlying AF", highlighted Dr Hazra.
Also Read: Right Vs Left Heart Failure: Expert Explains These Heart Failure And Lists Treatment Therapies
Treatment Options
Dr Hazra listed the treatment options for AF as follows:
"Ageing adults who are at a high risk of AF need to visit a cardiologist regularly. The cardiologist may be able to diagnose AF by palpation of pulse or through an ECG, especially in people with persistent AF who have continuous irregular heartbeats", said Dr Hazra.
"However, paroxysmal AF is difficult to catch with an ECG or pulse palpation because the irregular heartbeats come and go with intervals of regular heartbeats in between. For this reason, in some people, cardiologists may recommend 24-hour monitoring of the heart known as Holter monitoring", added Dr Hazra.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you notice any symptoms to avoid further complications.]
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
What Are The Types Of Vena Cava Filters?
Vena cava filters may prevent blood clots in your veins from reaching your lungs. They may be permanent, long-term solutions or temporary screens that may be removed after a few weeks or months.
The vena cava is the large vein that carries blood back to your heart from the rest of your body. If a blood clot forms in a vein (venous thromboembolism, or VTE), your doctor may recommend the placement of an umbrella-shaped metal filter in your vena cava to prevent the clot from traveling to your lungs.
There are multiple types of vena cava filters that doctors may use.
A clot that blocks blood flow in one of your lungs' arteries is a potentially life threatening condition called a pulmonary embolism (PE).
The vena cava has two distinct sections. The superior vena cava (SVC) delivers blood from your head, chest, and arms to your heart. The inferior vena cava (IVC) brings blood to your heart from your feet, legs, and abdominal and pelvic organs.
Filters are most commonly implanted in the IVC. Depending on the size and location of the clot, vena cava filters may be permanent or retrievable. This article explains more about vena cava filter types and the criteria doctors use to decide which type will be the safest and most effective protection against PE.
The two main types of vena cava filters are permanent (meant to be in place for the long term) and retrievable (able to be removed once the threat of a PE has passed).
Permanent vena cava filtersAs the name implies, a permanent vena cava filter is meant to stay in place for life. Permanent vena cava filters are not designed for easy removal, though some can be taken out without major complications.
A doctor will usually recommend a permanent filter if you cannot take anticoagulant medications (also known as blood thinners), which help slow down the blood-clotting process.
A 2021 research review comparing permanent IVC filters with other non-filter treatments suggests that the use of a permanent filter decreased the risk of new PE without an increase in bleeding problems or new deep VTE formation.
The longer a filter is in place, the greater the risk is that the device will fracture or migrating toward your heart and lungs, thereby increasing the risk of a blood clot also reaching your lungs. One 2016 review found that device migration occurred twice as often with permanent filters as with retrievable filters.
Retrievable vena cava filtersRetrievable vena cava filters are meant for short-term use, but they are also approved for permanent use. If you can take anticoagulants and you have a temporary risk of VTE or PE, you may be a good candidate for a retrievable vena cava filter. A 2022 review also notes that a life expectancy of at least 6 months is one of the criteria for a retrievable filter.
Complications are more common with retrievable vena cava filters than with permanent filters. Device fractures are among the most frequent problems.
One explanation is that retrievable filters are often left in place longer than they are designed for, given that most retrievable filters should be removed within 30 days of placement. Some research cited in a 2016 review suggests that up to 33% of retrievable vena cava filters wind up staying in place permanently.
Not all blood clots in the vena cava require a filter. For some people, placement of a filter may not be safe. But there are other treatment options, including those described below.
MedicationsThe most commonly prescribed medications for deep vein thrombosis are anticoagulants. These include injectable anticoagulants, such as heparin, and oral anticoagulants, such as warfarin.
Other medications used to treat VTE are called thrombolytics, or "clot busters," because they work by helping to dissolve blood clots. Both thrombolytics and anticoagulants raise the risk of bleeding complications, so their use must be closely monitored.
ThrombectomyDepending on the size and location of the clot, it may be possible to destroy the clot before it becomes life threatening. A thrombectomy is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon inserts a special device into a blood vessel to remove the clot.
As with any procedure or treatment involving your blood vessels, vena cava filters come with some risks.
Placing a filter in your vena cava involves inserting a catheter carrying the filter into an artery and then guiding it to the appropriate place in your vein. Once there, the filter is meant to stay in place, allowing blood to flow freely through it but blocking any clots that reach it.
Common risks of a vena cava filter include:
Additionally, a vena cava filter may not capture a clot heading toward your heart and lungs, although this is unusual. Vena cava filters are generally safe and effective. A 2023 study suggests that the use of IVC filters is associated with significantly reduced risks of PE and other severe complications.
The decision to use a permanent or retrievable vena cava filter depends on several key factors, including your preferences. If you've received a diagnosis of a blood clot in your vena cava, be sure to discuss all your treatment options with your doctor, including the risks and benefits associated with each one.
While vena cava filters can be effective in preventing a PE, they are not without risks. If your doctor advises you to have one, be sure that you understand the recommendation and whether they are suggesting a permanent or retrievable filter.
What Ausar Thompson's Blood Clot Means For His Future With Detroit Pistons
Your browser is not supportedfreep.Com
freep.Com wants to ensure the best experience for all of our readers, so we built our site to take advantage of the latest technology, making it faster and easier to use.
Unfortunately, your browser is not supported. Please download one of these browsers for the best experience on freep.Com
Comments
Post a Comment