What does A mean in BRITISH MEDICINE

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of irregular heartbeat. It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart, known as the atria, beat too fast and irregularly, which prevents them from pumping enough blood into the lower chambers of the heart. AFib can lead to blood clots, stroke and other heart-related complications.

Signs and symptoms of AFib may include palpitations, feeling like your heart is racing or fluttering; shortness of breath; chest discomfort; dizziness or lightheadedness; fatigue; weakness or lack of energy.

You can reduce your risk by managing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, engaging in moderate physical activity, avoiding stimulants such as caffeine and tobacco use, eating a healthy diet low in sodium and saturated fat, limiting alcohol consumption and controlling stress levels.

AFib is usually diagnosed through an electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG records electrical activity in your heart to help detect any irregularities. Your doctor may also order tests such as a chest x-ray or blood test if additional information is needed to diagnose your condition.

Treatments for AFib may include medications to slow down the heartbeat or control its rhythm; surgery to repair damaged areas of the heart that cause abnormal rhythms; device implantation to control certain cardiac functions; lifestyle modifications such as reducing stress levels; abstaining from stimulants such as caffeine and tobacco use; maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise; reducing sodium intake; taking regular medications prescribed by your doctor.

There are no proven home remedies for AFib but there are lifestyle changes that could potentially help manage symptoms such as getting regular exercise, managing stress levels by using relaxation techniques or meditation, abstaining from stimulants like caffeine and tobacco use, eating a healthy balanced diet low in sodium content and moderating alcohol consumption if necessary. However it’s important to check with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Hospitalization may be necessary depending on how severe your condition is or if you’re having difficulty managing symptoms at home. Your doctor will decide whether hospitalization is appropriate based on your individual case but it's typically recommended when patients have difficulty controlling their symptoms with medication therapy alone or experience other complications due to their condition.

Yes. People who have AFib are five times more likely than those without it to suffer from stroke due to blood clots forming within the chambers of the heart that can travel through arteries in the body resulting in blockage elsewhere - often in brain tissue causing stroke. It’s important to talk with your doctor about ways you can reduce this risk including taking medications preventively if necessary.

Medications used for treating AFib include anticoagulant/antiplatelet agents which decrease clot formation associated with this condition as well as slow down rapid heartbeat patterns associated with it such those caused by beta blockers or calcium channel blockers – usually taken orally on a daily basis under medical supervision only unless instructed otherwise by doctor. Other drugs used include amiodarone which helps restore normal heart rhythm patterns, digoxin which strengthens contractions made by ventricles thus helping improve output level & finally ibutilide which directly counteracts arrhythmia signals causing abnormal beats.