Can atrial fibrillation be completely cured?

Written by Zeng Wei Jie
Cardiology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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Regarding whether atrial fibrillation can be completely cured, it essentially depends on the definition of being completely cured. If the criterion is complete cessation of medication, then many patients cannot achieve this. However, if the standard is conversion of atrial fibrillation back to normal sinus rhythm, then it is achievable for many patients, such as those with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, who suffer from recurrent episodes and do not respond well to medication. In such cases, radiofrequency ablation might be attempted, and there is a high likelihood that after the treatment, the rhythm will convert to sinus rhythm. In this sense, some people can be considered cured. However, whether anticoagulation therapy can be discontinued depends on their thromboembolic risk score. This means that even if atrial fibrillation converts to sinus rhythm after radiofrequency ablation, some patients still need long-term anticoagulant medication. Therefore, from the perspective of discontinuing medication, such patients with atrial fibrillation are not considered cured.

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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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Can hormones be used for atrial fibrillation?

Patients with atrial fibrillation can use steroids, but in principle, it is best not to use them. This is because the use of steroids can cause excitement of the sympathetic nerves, leading to an increased heart rate, which in turn can trigger an episode of atrial fibrillation and cause uncomfortable heart symptoms, such as palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. Of course, atrial fibrillation is not a contraindication for the use of steroids. If the condition requires it, such as during an asthma attack or certain immunological diseases, steroids can be used. When using steroids, it is important to strengthen observation and inform the patient to seek timely medical attention at a hospital if symptoms of an atrial fibrillation episode, such as palpitations or chest tightness, occur.

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The difference between premature beats and atrial fibrillation

Premature beats refer to the early discharge of the heart's impulses. Premature beats can be divided into atrial premature beats, ventricular premature beats, and junctional premature beats. Atrial premature beats occur when the impulse is prematurely emitted from the atrium; ventricular premature beats occur when the impulse is prematurely emitted from the ventricles; junctional premature beats occur when the impulse is prematurely emitted from the atrioventricular junction. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by the atria losing their normal pattern of contraction and relaxation, replaced by irregular quivering. Both premature beats and atrial fibrillation are common arrhythmias that can be identified on an electrocardiogram.

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What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?

The most common symptoms of atrial fibrillation episodes are chest tightness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. When atrial fibrillation causes a significant decrease in cardiac output, it can also lead to insufficient cerebral blood supply, causing symptoms such as dizziness and blackouts. Occasionally, it may also cause fainting in patients. When coronary artery blood supply is insufficient, it can also trigger angina attacks. Moreover, if atrial fibrillation leads to heart failure, it can cause significant respiratory difficulty. Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia clinically. The treatment of atrial fibrillation should be based on the specific situation, choosing either cardioversion or controlling the ventricular rate. Cardioversion can be achieved through medication or radiofrequency ablation surgery, while controlling the ventricular rate can be managed with β-blockers, amiodarone, digoxin, and other drugs. In treating atrial fibrillation with ventricular rate control, patients need to take anticoagulants long-term to prevent the occurrence of peripheral arterial embolism. (Please follow medical advice regarding medications.)

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Atrial fibrillation is caused by what?

Atrial fibrillation can occur in healthy individuals, sometimes triggered by emotional excitement, surgery, exercise, or excessive drinking. It often occurs in patients with existing cardiovascular diseases, such as rheumatic heart disease, coronary artery disease, hypertensive heart disease, hyperthyroidism, constrictive pericarditis, myocarditis, infective endocarditis, and chronic pulmonary heart disease. Atrial fibrillation can also occur in middle-aged and young adults without cardiac diseases, known as lone atrial fibrillation.