Atrial fibrillation

An irregular pulsation always refers to as abnormal heart beat rhythm, and the atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of an abnormal heart rhythm, which is responsible for stroke.

The pacemakers sends out normal and unvarying electrical impulses, however, when these impulses fire off then AF occurs as the impulses are fire off from the other places such as atria in a disorganised way. As a matter of fact people usually have irregular and fast pulse during AF.

Causes of AF

The most common causes of AF are:

• Heart valve disease
• High blood pressure
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Thyrotoxicosis

However, sometimes it may also be concomitant with coronary heart disease. In some cases no visual causes are found. Rarely, the AF can be resolved after the underlying condition is healed.

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

The most common signs and symptoms of AF are:

• palpitation, a fast heart beat
• shortness of breath
• tiredness
• feeling paint and dizziness

Moreover most of the people develop only mild symptoms, while others may have no visual symptoms.

How can AF be detected?

The AF can be easily felt by feeling the wrist pulse, which may feel irregular and the strength of the beats may be irregular. Most of the people are unaware of the AF, and it is only discovered when they are referred to ECG. For this purpose, you must be aware of your pulse, and if you find any abnormal behaviour in your pulse then must visit your GP immediately.

How to check your pulse

• put out your hands in such a way that you can look at your palm
• place the pads of your any finger on the wrist
• however, you can also place them at the place where your thumbs end
• always press gently and then feel the pulse, if you couldn’t feel anything then slightly move your finger, you will definitely find your pulse
• once you get your pulse feel it for at least 30 seconds, and feel the rhythm of pulse

Is AF is always the cause of an irregular pulse?

Infrequent pulses such as extra beats or mixed beats are very common and no need to worry about it, as AF is the continuous abnormality in the pulse

Complications of Atrial Fibrillation

Mostly, it increases the chances of blood clot, which may be formed inside the heart chambers, which directly causes a stroke. Hence, AF increases the chances of stroke more than 4, 5 times, but stroke may also be caused by number if other factors. These factors may include, high cholesterol, smoking, physical activity, diabetes, overweight etc. However, with proper treatment the chances of stroke can be minimise to some extent.

What to do if your pulse is crooked?

If your pulse is crooked, ten you must visit your GP and properly perform all the test advised by him. If you delay in processing the test then chances of stroke and heart damage increases, which might sometime results in sudden death. Never take a chance with any complication which is related to heart.