Can atrial fibrillation cause cerebral infarction?

Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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Patients with chronic atrial fibrillation have a relatively high incidence rate of embolism. For instance, those with a history of embolism, valvular disease, hypertension, diabetes, elderly patients, left atrial enlargement, and coronary artery disease are at increased risk of embolism. Atrial fibrillation is an independent risk factor for stroke. As age increases, the incidence of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation also increases annually; atrial fibrillation doubles the mortality rate of stroke and significantly increases the disability rate. At the same time, atrial fibrillation also significantly increases the risk of recurrent stroke. Studies show that the incidence of stroke within the first year after a stroke is 6.92% in patients with atrial fibrillation, compared to 4.7% in those without atrial fibrillation. Therefore, anticoagulation therapy is the primary strategy for managing atrial fibrillation.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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Nursing Care for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) refers to atrial fibrillation, caused primarily by organic heart diseases, commonly seen in coronary heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and pulmonary heart disease, as well as certain metabolic disorders such as hyperthyroidism. Patients with AF can experience impacts on cardiac function, and in severe cases, may develop heart failure. Nursing care primarily involves ensuring the patient rests and avoids excessive fatigue. Mild physical activities can be performed, and it is advisable to eat easily digestible foods and avoid spicy foods to reduce gastrointestinal irritation and lessen the burden on cardiac function. Attention should be paid to sleep, avoiding smoking and alcohol, routinely checking the electrocardiogram (ECG), and seeking timely medical treatment at a hospital if special conditions arise.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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What does atrial fibrillation mean?

Atrial fibrillation, often abbreviated as AF, is a common type of cardiac arrhythmia in the elderly. Medically, it is described as a disorderly and irregular heart rhythm without a rhythm in the atria. In layman's terms, for example, if our heartbeat is like people queuing up to buy tickets, normally everyone comes one by one in an orderly manner. Atrial fibrillation, however, is like everyone rushing to the ticketing area at once. Consequently, some people might run fast, others slow, some take up more space because they are heavier, and others less because they are thinner. Atrial fibrillation is similar to this scenario.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Can people with atrial fibrillation drink alcohol?

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia among many middle-aged and elderly people, and in our country, which has a strong culture of alcohol consumption, many people enjoy drinking. So, can you drink alcohol if you have atrial fibrillation? My advice is that it's best not to drink. Modern medical research has shown that alcohol can potentially trigger attacks of atrial fibrillation, and in our clinical practice, we often find that many patients experience an onset of atrial fibrillation by drinking alcohol, sometimes even necessitating hospital treatment due to the episodes. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with atrial fibrillation avoid or minimize alcohol consumption.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Can atrial fibrillation be cured?

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia in daily life. Many patients often ask their doctors after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, "Can my atrial fibrillation be cured?" The answer is affirmative. With the advancement of medical technology, some patients can be completely cured of atrial fibrillation, which needs to be analyzed and judged based on the treatment methods for atrial fibrillation. First, medication treatment, which is currently the mainstream method for treating atrial fibrillation. Most patients use medication treatment, but it cannot effectively cure atrial fibrillation. Second, radiofrequency ablation treatment, which is a minimally invasive means of treating atrial fibrillation. This technology has become very mature, and many patients have achieved complete cure of atrial fibrillation through radiofrequency ablation treatment. Third, surgical treatment, where a portion of the patients undergo a Maze procedure during surgery, which can also achieve the purpose of curing atrial fibrillation.

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Written by Cui Bo
Cardiology
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Is atrial fibrillation the same as atrial flutter?

Atrial fibrillation, commonly abbreviated as AF, is a simple way to express atrial fibrillation, which is fundamentally pathological. Normal heart rhythm is sinus rhythm. Therefore, once atrial fibrillation occurs, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly rather than ignoring it. All patients with atrial fibrillation are scored to determine if they require anticoagulation therapy. Since atrial fibrillation is a trembling of the atrium and results in a completely irregular heartbeat, it can easily lead to the formation of blood clots in the left atrial appendage. Hence, if one discovers their heartbeat is very irregular, utterly irregular, immediate medical attention is necessary. An electrocardiogram can confirm the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, but it is essential to seek the underlying cause of the condition and manage both the ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation and the anticoagulation therapy.