The upper two chambers of the heart (the atria) beat quickly and irregularly in atrial fibrillation. Our discussion today will revolve around chronic and persistent AFib. Before that, here’s some information on the life-saving CPR techniques.
The life-saving CPR procedures comprise chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application can revive the life of a victim involved in a cardiac emergency which can either be a cardiac arrest or heart attack. For training, always select a certified training center such as the AHA certified CPR Louisville in Kentucky. Certified instructors conduct the classes through a series of audio and video lectures and hands-on practice. There are courses for healthcare and non-healthcare providers. Read to know more about a “BLS certification Louisville” course.
Basic Life Support training classes- This course is geared towards training individuals currently working in healthcare or planning a career in healthcare where students will learn adult, child, and infant CPR. Students will also be trained on the use of an automated external defibrillator, or AED. This CPR class is for nurses, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, dentists, CRNAs, paramedics, EMTs, medical technicians/assistants, dental hygienists/assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nursing students, medical students and more.
The course fee is $74.
Chronic A-fib is usually diagnosed once a person has had symptoms lasting for longer than 12 months. Chronic A-Fib may also be called long-standing, persistent A-fib. People with chronic A-Fib may experience no symptoms or may experience a combination of these symptoms- fatigue, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, chest pain, anxiety, shortness of breath, general weakness, fainting, etc.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should immediately consult a doctor as these symptoms can be signs of another heart problem like a heart attack.
Risk Factors- There are several factors that put some people at higher risk for developing chronic A-Fib than others although anyone can develop this condition, even individuals who are otherwise healthy. The risk factors are
1. Thyroid problems
2. Previous open-heart surgery
3. Excessive alcohol consumption
4. Cardiomyopathy
5. Sick sinus syndrome
6. Diabetes and high blood pressure
7. Aging (being over age 60)
8. Lung disease
9. Heart attack history
10. Untreated atrial flutter
11. Heart structure problems
12. Coronary artery disease
13. Inflammation around the ticker
14. Other major infections or illnesses
Diagnosis- As because most people do not experience any symptoms, A-Fib can be difficult to diagnose which is often diagnosed during a routine physical or a checkup for some other problem. It is important for individuals with symptoms to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis who most likely asks about the individual’s medical history and may order some tests like electrocardiogram, a Holter Monitor, event monitor, echocardiogram, MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography (CT) scan, etc.
Treatments- The main objective of A-Fib treatments is to minimize the risk of blood clots and return the ticker to a normal rhythm. Some of the treatment options include
1. Lifestyle changes
2. Pacemakers or similar devices
3. Surgery
4. Ablation
5. Techniques to reset the heart’s rhythm
6. Medications
Some of the commonly prescribed medications include beta blockers or calcium channel blockers to slow an abnormally fast heart rate, blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clots, antiarrhythmics to restore the heart rate to normal, medications to treat associated conditions like high blood pressure or thyroid problems.
Preventing Measures- It is not always possible to prevent A-Fib but there are steps that can be taken to stay healthy and decrease the risk of developing the condition. Some steps include
1. Maintain a healthy weight
2. Limit alcohol consumption
3. Keep blood pressure in check
4. Manage stress
5. Control blood sugar levels
6. Daily exercise
7. Avoid excess caffeine
8. Quit smoking
9. Avoid trans and saturated fats
10. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, omega 3s
Hope, this information proves to be beneficial for you.
For more information or to join a CPR course, call CPR Louisville on 502-804-6132.
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