4 free views remaining today
atrial fibrillation
ICD-10 Codes
Description
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm, also known as an arrhythmia [1]. It can lead to blood clots, stroke, and other complications if left untreated [2].
The condition is characterized by extremely fast and irregular beats from the atria, which are the two upper chambers of the heart [3]. This can cause the heart to pump less blood into the body, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain [4].
AFib is often described as a quivering or irregular heartbeat, where the electrical signals in the atria fire rapidly at the same time, causing an abnormal rhythm [5]. It's also known as AF or A-fib, and it's one of the most common types of arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) [6].
In people with AFib, the heart rate can be extremely fast, often exceeding 100 beats per minute, which is much faster than a normal resting heart rate [7]. This can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Overall, atrial fibrillation is a serious condition that requires medical attention if left untreated. It's essential to seek medical help if you experience any symptoms or have concerns about your heart health.
References: [1] Mar 8, 2024 [2] Mar 23, 2023 [3] Afib stands for atrial fibrillation (AF), which is a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat. [4] [5] An irregular heartbeat that occurs when the electrical signals in the atria (the two upper chambers of the heart) fire rapidly at the same time. [6] Nov 30, 2022 [7] Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate.
Additional Characteristics
- irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm
- extremely fast and irregular beats from the atria
- quivering or irregular heartbeat
- rapidly firing electrical signals in the atria
- irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate
Signs and Symptoms
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart condition that can cause various symptoms, which are essential to recognize for timely medical attention.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation:
- Palpitations: The most obvious symptom of AFib is a fast or irregular heartbeat, often described as palpitations. This can feel like the heart is pounding, fluttering, or beating irregularly [3].
- Chest Pain or Pressure: Chest pain or pressure (angina) can occur due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle [4].
- Dizziness or Fainting: AFib can cause dizziness or fainting spells due to a sudden drop in blood pressure [5].
- Fatigue or Weakness: People with AFib often experience fatigue or weakness, which can be attributed to the heart's reduced ability to pump blood efficiently [6].
- Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath is another common symptom of AFib, as the heart struggles to meet the body's oxygen demands [7].
- Palpitations: Palpitations are a recurring theme in AFib symptoms, often described as a fluttering or pounding feeling in the chest [8].
Other Possible Symptoms:
- Feeling very tired or having no energy
- Irregular heartbeats
- Increased heartbeats
It's essential to note that not everyone with atrial fibrillation will experience all of these symptoms. If you're experiencing any of these signs, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
References: [1] - Not applicable (initial search results did not contain relevant information) [2] - Not applicable [3] - 3. The most obvious symptom of atrial fibrillation is heart palpitations – where the heart feels like it's pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly. [4] - 4. Afib Symptoms · Chest pain or pressure (angina) · Dizziness or fainting · Fatigue or weakness · Palpitations · Shortness of breath. [5] - 5. Nov 30, 2022 — Symptoms of atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, include fatigue, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness or fainting, ... [6] - 5. Nov 30, 2022 — Symptoms of atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, include fatigue, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness or fainting, ... [7] - 8. Symptoms · palpitations – this might feel like your heart is racing, beating irregularly or flip-flopping in your chest. · feeling very tired/ having no energy – ... [8] - 8. Symptoms · palpitations – this might feel like your heart is racing, beating irregularly or flip-flopping in your chest. · feeling very tired/ having no energy – ...
Additional Symptoms
- Palpitations
- Shortness of Breath
- Irregular heartbeats
- Chest Pain or Pressure
- Fatigue or Weakness
- Feeling very tired or having no energy
- Increased heartbeats
- dizziness
Diagnostic Tests
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) can be diagnosed using various diagnostic tests, which help identify the abnormal heart rhythm and underlying causes. Here are some common diagnostic tests used to diagnose AFib:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): This is a simple, painless test that records your heart's electrical activity. It's usually the first test performed to diagnose AFib, as it can detect irregular heart rhythms [4].
- Blood tests: Blood tests may be ordered to check for underlying conditions that could be contributing to AFib, such as thyroid problems or anemia [1].
- Holter monitor: A Holter monitor is a small device that records your heart's activity over a 24-hour period. It can help diagnose AFib and other heart rhythm disorders [5].
- Echocardiogram (Echo): An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of the heart, which can help identify any structural problems or valve issues contributing to AFib [6].
- Event monitor: An event monitor is a small device that records your heart's activity when symptoms occur. It can be worn for several days or weeks to capture episodes of AFib [5].
- Implanted cardiac monitor: This is a small device implanted under the skin, which continuously monitors your heart's activity and can detect episodes of AFib [6].
These diagnostic tests help healthcare providers diagnose AFib and determine the best course of treatment. It's essential to consult with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and personalized care plan.
References: [1] - Context result 1 [4] - Context result 4 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 6
Additional Diagnostic Tests
- Blood tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram (Echo)
- Holter monitor
- Event monitor
- Implanted cardiac monitor
Treatment
Treatment Options for Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of irregular heartbeat that can increase the risk of stroke and other heart-related complications. While there are various treatment options available, medication plays a crucial role in managing AF.
Medications Used to Treat Atrial Fibrillation
Several medications are commonly used to treat atrial fibrillation, including:
- Beta-Blockers: These medicines help slow down the heart rate and improve blood flow through the body. Examples of beta-blockers used to treat AF include bisoprolol, atenolol, and carvedilol [5].
- Calcium Channel Blockers: These medications control the heart rate but may also have a calming effect on the heart muscle. Diltiazem is an example of a calcium channel blocker used to treat AF [6].
- Blood Thinners: Medications such as warfarin and apixaban are used to prevent stroke by preventing blood clots from forming in the heart [2].
- Antiarrhythmic Drugs: These medications, including quinidine, flecainide, propafenone, sotalol, and ibutilide, can help restore a normal heartbeat rhythm [11].
Rate Control vs. Rhythm Control
The primary goal of medication treatment for AF is to either control the heart rate (rate control) or restore a normal heartbeat rhythm (rhythm control). Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers are often used as first-line agents for rate control, while antiarrhythmic medications may be used for rhythm control [8].
Other Treatment Options
In addition to medication, other treatment options for AF include:
- Cardioversion: A procedure that uses electrical shocks or medications to restore a normal heartbeat rhythm.
- Catheter Ablation: A minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to destroy abnormal heart tissue.
It's essential to consult with a cardiologist to determine the best treatment plan for individual cases of atrial fibrillation.
Recommended Medications
- Beta-Blockers
- Calcium Channel Blockers
- Blood Thinners
- Antiarrhythmic Drugs
💊 Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.
Differential Diagnosis
Differential Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex cardiac arrhythmia that can be challenging to diagnose, especially when it presents with similar symptoms to other cardiovascular conditions. The differential diagnosis of AF involves identifying and ruling out other potential causes of an irregular heartbeat.
Common Differential Diagnoses:
- Atrial Flutter: A type of supraventricular tachycardia characterized by a regular, rapid heart rhythm.
- Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (MAT): A rare condition where the atria beat at multiple rates, often with a chaotic or irregular pattern.
- Atrioventricular Reentrant Tachycardia (AVRT): A type of supraventricular tachycardia that involves an abnormal electrical pathway between the atria and ventricles.
- Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry Tachycardia (AVNRT): A type of supraventricular tachycardia that involves an abnormal electrical pathway within the atrioventricular node.
- Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT): A type of supraventricular tachycardia characterized by a rapid, regular heart rhythm.
Key Differentiating Features:
- AF is typically irregularly irregular, whereas other conditions like atrial flutter and PSVT may have a more regular or rhythmic pattern.
- The presence of a palpable pulse or a specific ECG pattern can help differentiate between these conditions.
- A thorough clinical history and physical examination are essential in ruling out other potential causes of an irregular heartbeat.
References:
- [1] (Search result 4) August 29, 2021 - The
Additional Differential Diagnoses
- second-degree atrioventricular block
- alcoholic cardiomyopathy
- sick sinus syndrome
- carotid artery thrombosis
- Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
- Atrial Flutter
- Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (MAT)
- Atrioventricular Reentrant Tachycardia (AVRT)
- Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry Tachycardia (AVNRT)
- Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
Additional Information
- rdf-schema#subClassOf
- t336911
- rdf-schema#domain
- https://w3id.org/def/predibionto#has_symptom_1250
- owl#annotatedSource
- t336052
- oboInOwl#hasOBONamespace
- disease_ontology
- oboInOwl#creation_date
- 2015-01-16T14:55:21Z
- oboInOwl#id
- DOID:0060224
- core#notation
- DOID:0060224
- oboInOwl#created_by
- emitraka
- oboInOwl#hasDbXref
- UMLS_CUI:C0004238
- core#exactMatch
- MESH:D001281
- oboInOwl#hasExactSynonym
- AFib
- rdf-schema#label
- atrial fibrillation
- IAO_0000115
- A heart conduction disease that is characterized by uncoordinated electrical activity in the heart's upper chambers (the atria), which causes the heartbeat to become fast and irregular and has symptoms palpitations, weakness, fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, confusion, shortness of breath and chest pain.
- oboInOwl#inSubset
- http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/doid#NCIthesaurus
- RO_0002452
- http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/SYMP_0019179
- relatedICD
- http://example.org/icd10/I48.91
- 22-rdf-syntax-ns#type
- http://www.w3.org/2002/07/owl#Class
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only.
It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medical condition.