The First Few Hours of Atrial Fibrillation

How Cardioversion & Anticoagulation Therapy Are GaugedIf you suffer from atrial fibrillation, you most likely understand the implications this cardiac condition may have upon your long term health. So closely associated with heart attack (myocardial infarction), and other cardiac complications, it is important to manage atrial fibrillation successfully.

As part of your treatment plan, the cardiologist may recommend treatment known as conversion therapy. In this type of treatment, medical cardioversion is most commonly prescribed, although some patients find it is unsuccessful. As a cardiac patient, it is important to understand the application of prescription medications in the use of your cardioversion therapy program.
Cardioversion therapy, in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, may include both electric cardioversion as well as pharmacologic cardioversion therapy. The key to the success of either, or both, programs involves the early detection and treatment of atrial fibrillation, usually within 48 hours of onset.

If you suffer from an acute onset of atrial fibrillation, less than 48 hours in existence, you most likely are experiencing symptoms of lightheadedness, dizziness and heart palpitations. When confirmed as atrial fibrillation, your physician will usually begin by prescribing calcium channel blockers and beta blockers as these provide a systemic improvement, as quickly as 30 minutes after dosing.

In addition to oral calcium channel blockers and beta blockers, your cardiologist may also choose to utilize intravenous medications, in treating atrial fibrillation. In addition to pharmacological remedies to your acute atrial fibrillation, your cardiologist may also find it necessary to use external direct current cardioversion as an option to resolving irregular heart beat. Using electrical currents, the heart is stimulated into synchronizing and rhythmic contraction. Often, this form of treatment is avoided unless pharmacologic remedies are unsuccessful in the acute phase.

How Cardioversion & Anticoagulation Therapy Are GaugedAs you seek medical attention for your health complication, the most important aspect of your cardiac care lies in the honest communication of your symptoms with the cardiologist. Because the first 48 hours of atrial fibrillation is the most important period, if your symptoms have persisted longer than this period, you may be at risk for development a clot. Without honest communication about your symptoms, the cardiologist may overlook the need for anticoagulant therapy, which should be initiated before cardioversion in those patients with atrial fibrillation longer than a 48 hour period.

Cardiovascular health is a key health initiative in the 21st century. While atrial fibrillation is commonly associated with aging, many young adults are also experiencing the health risk and, unfortunately, may delay in seeking medical treatment. If you experience dizziness, heart palpitations and lightheadedness, it is important to seek medical attention early and communicate honest feedback to your physician about your symptoms. When caught in the first 48 hours, your physician may be able to resolve the cardiac complication with the use of oral medications, avoiding the need for electrical stimulation and intravenous drugs.