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Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. During atrial fibrillation, an individual’s heart muscle contracts very quickly and irregularly. Blood pools in the heart’s two upper chambers and isn’t pumped correctly to the heart’s two lower chambers, which causes these two areas to stop working together. Although many individuals suffering from atrial fibrillation may not display symptoms, this dangerous cardiac condition can actually increase their risk of stroke.

September is National Atrial Fibrillation Month, during which healthcare professionals and first responders are encouraged to remind themselves of important atrial fibrillation facts that can help them save lives in an emergency situation.

1. It’s estimated that more than 2.5 million people have atrial fibrillation and that by 2050, 12 million people will be diagnosed with the condition.
2. Not everyone with atrial fibrillation will experience symptoms. However, those who do display symptoms often experience shortness of breath, irregular or rapid heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain or lightheadedness and extreme fatigue.
3. The two most common complications of atrial fibrillation are stroke and heart failure. In fact, atrial fibrillation is said to be responsible for 15-20 percent of ischemic strokes (when blood flow to the brain is blocked by blood clots or fatty deposits).
4. Electrocardiogram, or an ECG, is a simple and painless test that is used to detect atrial fibrillation. Healthcare professionals and first responders can learn how to effectively identify atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias on an ECG in an advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) course.
5. Several treatments are available for this condition; as with any treatment, medical professionals should be completely aware of atrial fibrillation patient information. Treatments most often include either surgery or medications such as those that control heart rhythms or those that thin the blood to prevent clotting. Lifestyle medications such as those that help with high blood pressure or diabetes can also help to minimize atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation is generally seen in older men and women. The median age is 66.8 years for men and 74.6 years for women. However, healthcare professionals should remain vigilant for atrial fibrillation risk factors regardless of a patient’s age. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, heart failure and hyperthyroidism can all potentially contribute to atrial fibrillation.

It is vital for healthcare professionals, whether in an emergency care position, in a hospital setting or in private practice, to stay up to date on their certifications in order to have the skills and knowledge to treat patients using the most recent information and techniques. Health Ed Solutions, a leading provider of online healthcare certifications, offers convenient online courses for emergency room doctors and nurses, first responders and others. From pediatric advanced life support (PALS) to advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) to basic life support (BLS), Health Ed Solutions’ online courses that can be completed at your own pace and in your own timeframe. Click here for PALS certification information and click here for PALS recertification information.

Sources:

- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation

- http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_atrial_fibrillation.htm