If you recall, my last article looked at a common condition called Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib). This cardiac condition causes an unbalanced and uneven heartbeat. The problem originates in the top half of the heart (atrium) as it sends too many signals down to the bottom half of the heart (ventricles).
The vast majority of those who have A-fib are over the age of 60, however, there are several things that can cause a person to be more susceptible to the condition. Let’s look at one of the major causes first: high blood pressure.
Many people simply don’t understand the damage that high blood pressure can cause to the body and, especially, the heart. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is sometimes called the silent killer because it sometimes does not produce noticeable signs.
The easiest way to think about high blood pressure is that the heart must pump a little harder than normal to get the blood from Point A to Point B. To make this happen, the left ventricle (the chamber where the blood exits the heart) must expand larger than normal to get some extra ‘snap’ to increase the force of the blood leaving.
Think about a rubber band: if you pull it back only a little, it will not go very far when you release it. If you pull that rubber band back a long way, it will shoot across the room. Our heart is the same way in this. The left ventricle has to pull back more than normal to create the extra pressure that is needed to overcome high blood pressure.
Now, let’s think about how this affecting the heart over time. In medical speak, there is an explanation of why this is a bad thing. It is called Frank Starling’s Law. When I explain it to students, I tell them to imagine their oldest pair of underwear at home. The elastic waistband has probably become worn and won’t stretch much. That’s because it has been repeatedly stretched farther than it was intended to be for years. Our heart is the same way.
If the left ventricle is repeatedly overstretched, it will eventually not go back to normal! This creates a problem getting blood out of the heart and can sometimes contribute to atrial fibrillation.
To be sure, not all the cases of A-fib are caused by heart disease. Other common causes include heart valve disease, sleep apnea, and past heart attack. Heavy alcohol, caffeine, and other infections can sometimes play a role in development of a-fib as well.
Diagnosis for A-fib is usually done by an ECG performed by your physician. They might also want you to wear a Holter monitor for several days if the condition comes and goes. Treatments depend on the severity of the symptoms and how well your body is responding to the change in electrical current in your heart.
Some might tolerate it extremely well and only need minor medications well others might require an implanted pacemaker.
At the end of the day, A-fib is nothing to be afraid of. It is a common condition that modern medicine has treated very well. However, you have to do your part as well! Always seek medical care if you experience a pain or fluttering in your chest.
Talk about your cardiac concerns with your doctor. When you do go see them, be open and honest about your experiences. Remember, when it comes to direct questions about the heart, it is never good to tell a-fib.
Stay safe out there.
M. Eric Williams, MS, NR-P is a Mississippi native and Instructor of Emergency Medicine. He is a Doctoral Candidate in Higher Education and has 15 years’ experience in healthcare. If you have questions or comments, you may contact him at eric.williams@jcjc.edu.
