Atrial fibrillation can lead to serious health problems like ischemic stroke and heart failure, and it’s also putting a strain on Malaysia’s healthcare system.
That’s why early detection, proper management, and spreading awareness are so important.
Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is an irregular heartbeat caused by erratic electrical signals in the atria (the upper chambers of the heart). This irregularity prevents the heart from efficiently pumping blood to the rest of the body. If left untreated, it can significantly impact daily life.
● Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation – This type comes and goes on its own and usually stops within 48 hours without needing treatment.
● Persistent Atrial Fibrillation – These episodes last longer, usually over 7 days, unless treated.
● Permanent Atrial Fibrillation – This is when it's always there and doesn’t go away.
● Long-standing Atrial Fibrillation – This happens when you’ve been living with atrial fibrillation for over a year.
Atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation have a lot in common—they can share symptoms, causes, and even complications, and some people experience both.
The main difference? It’s all about rhythm. Atrial flutter has a more organized rhythm, while atrial fibrillation is a bit more chaotic.
Treatment is different too. Atrial flutter is often treated with catheter ablation, while atrial fibrillation usually starts with medication.
● Irregular and rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
● Shortness of breath
● Weakness or fatigue
● Dizziness or light-headedness
● Chest pain or discomfort
● Reduced ability to exercise
● Confusion
● Sweating
● Fainting or near-fainting episodes
However, half of the patients with atrial fibrillation show no symptoms (asymptomatic atrial fibrillation) or only mild symptoms that go unnoticed until severe complications, like heart failure, develop.
Another challenge in detecting atrial fibrillation is that some patients experience it intermittently. This type, known as paroxysmal or sporadic atrial fibrillation, comes and goes, usually lasting from a few minutes to a few hours, and sometimes up to a week. It often recurs but can also resolve on its own.
● Age: The risk increases as you get older
● Heart Disease: Conditions such as coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or a history of heart attack increase the risk
● High Blood Pressure: Hypertension can lead to atrial fibrillation
● Thyroid Problems: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can contribute
● Other Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, asthma, chronic kidney disease, and chronic lung disease are examples
● Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can trigger episodes
● Obesity: Being overweight increases the risk
● Family History: A family history of atrial fibrillation can increase the likelihood
● Sleep Apnoea: This condition is linked to a higher risk of atrial fibrillation
● Stress and Other Chronic Conditions: Stress, along with other conditions like kidney disease, can contribute to the risk
● Previous Surgeries: Having had heart surgery increases the risk
● Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor
Diagnosing atrial fibrillation presents challenges as the episodes can be sporadic or persistent. It typically involves a combination of these tests and procedures to accurately identify the condition and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
● Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Measures the electrical activity of your heart and can detect abnormal heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation
● Holter Monitor: A portable ECG device worn for 24 to 48 hours or longer to record your heart's electrical activity continuously, providing more information about irregular heart rhythms that may not be captured during a standard ECG
● Event Recorder: Similar to a Holter monitor, but used for longer periods (weeks to months), activated by the patient when symptoms occur to capture irregular heart rhythms
● Echocardiogram: This ultrasound test uses sound waves to create images of your heart, allowing doctors to assess its structure and function and identify any underlying heart conditions that may contribute to atrial fibrillation
● Blood Tests: To check for underlying conditions, such as thyroid problems or electrolyte imbalances, which can contribute to atrial fibrillation
● Stress Test: Evaluates how your heart responds to stress, usually through exercise, to detect irregular heart rhythms that may occur during physical activity
● Electrophysiology Study (EPS): Invasive procedure involving the insertion of catheters into the heart to map its electrical signals and identify the source of abnormal heart rhythms, often used to guide treatment decisions in complex cases
● Imaging Tests: MRI or CT scans may be performed to assess the structure of the heart and detect any abnormalities that may contribute to atrial fibrillation
● Additional Monitoring: In some cases, long-term monitoring with implantable devices, such as loop recorders or implantable cardiac monitors, may be needed to capture infrequent episodes of atrial fibrillation
● Medications
● Cardioversion
● Surgery
● Lifestyle Modifications
Treatment of atrial fibrillation often requires close collaboration between cardiologists and cardiac electrophysiologists. A cardiologist treats the patient's blood vessel obstruction problem; a cardiac electrophysiologist treats your atrial fibrillation by processing the electrophysiological signals of the heart veins.
As one of the authoritative hospitals for the best cardiologist and heart surgery in Malaysia, Prince Court Medical Centre has a professional and experienced team of cardiac specialists and cardiac electrophysiology specialists, equipped with advanced instruments, equipment and medicines to provide you with comprehensive heart health services.
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