Atrial fibrillation Get your heart back to beat

Therapy methods for atrial fibrillation: drugs, cardioversion, catheter ablation

03/06/2013

Atrial fibrillation is, according to experts, the most common cardiac arrhythmia. About 1.8 million people suffer from the problem. Symptoms include shortness of breath, rising heat in the head, palpitations and a feeling of pressure in the chest. There is also an uncontrolled racing heart in the atria. In principle, however, the extent of the symptoms can be very different, so it is necessary to be careful. Because, although atrial fibrillation is not life-threatening, the disease can lead to stroke - especially at an advanced age.

Risk of atrial fibrillation increases with age
Due to the heart rhythm disorder, the atria of the heart can no longer contract properly. Per heartbeat, less fluid is pumped into the blood vessels. The stagnant blood can lead to a clot, which is why the German Heart Foundation recommends anticoagulant drugs such as marcumar or falithrom. It is important, however „always weigh the risk of stroke against the risk of bleeding“, explains the Chairman of the Board of the German Heart Foundation Thomas Meinertz.

The risk of atrial fibrillation increases exponentially with age, explains Professor Andreas Götte from the Competence Network on Atrial Fibrillation. In the age group of over 60-year-olds, around four percent are currently affected. For the over 80s, the percentage is 20 to 25 percent. Götte assumes that the number of those affected triples in the next 20 years. To one

Independently measure blood coagulation values ​​for the dosage of medication
The examination is carried out by the doctor or pharmacist. After a training, patients can also measure their blood coagulation values ​​independently. For this purpose, portable, electronic devices are available that determine the current coagulation value by battery charging. Since this is subject to constant fluctuations due to nutrition or stress, this endeavor is worthwhile. Patients can then adjust the dosage of their medication independently.

The test is performed using the meter and a test strip. Using a small needle, sufferers can remove a drop of blood from their fingertips, which is then placed on the test strip and inserted into the device for testing. This measures the value and reports the result via a digital display, the entire process usually takes around one minute. All measurement results and dosing changes are logged and regularly monitored by a physician.

Medication not free from side effects
Anticoagulant drugs are not free of side effects. For example, Macumar increases the risk of minor bleeding with bruising. They are generally harmless, but can be a serious health risk in individual cases. Bleeding in the urinary tract or in the stomach is particularly critical. In order not to endanger the lives of those affected, physicians must immediately take appropriate countermeasures.

Alternative Therapy Methods of Atrial Fibrillation
An alternative method of treatment for atrial fibrillation is cardioversion, a mild electric shock with short anesthesia. It serves to bring the heartbeat back into line with the usual rhythm. However, doctors must first ensure that there is no blood clot. For this the heart is examined by ultrasound. In general, it is possible to bring the heart back into the so-called Synusrhytmus. However, it happens again and again that atrial fibrillation occurs again after some time.

If medication and cardioversion do not produce the desired result, catheter ablation is an option. The so-called „desolation“ carried out by a plastic hose, in professional circles „catheter“ called, which is advanced through the vena cava from the groin to the heart. By frequency current or cold the doctor then deserts a very specific area of ​​the atrium. The success rate is after one year at least 60 to 80 percent, after a repetition even 90 percent. (Lb)