Fibrillation

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia


Fibrillation
Synonyms
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue
Complications Stroke, heart failure
Onset
Duration
Types Atrial fibrillation, Ventricular fibrillation
Causes Heart disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, alcohol consumption
Risks Age, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking
Diagnosis Electrocardiogram, Holter monitor
Differential diagnosis Atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia
Prevention Lifestyle modification, anticoagulant therapy
Treatment Medication, cardioversion, catheter ablation
Medication Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, anticoagulants
Prognosis Varies depending on type and treatment
Frequency Common, especially in older adults
Deaths N/A


Fibrillation is a medical term that refers to the rapid, irregular, and unsynchronized contraction of muscle fibers. It is most commonly associated with the heart, but can occur in any muscle tissue. Fibrillation can lead to a variety of health problems, including stroke, heart attack, and sudden cardiac death.

Causes

Fibrillation can be caused by a variety of factors, including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Other potential causes include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and the use of certain medications.

Types

There are two main types of fibrillation: atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation occurs in the upper chambers of the heart, while ventricular fibrillation occurs in the lower chambers.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of fibrillation. It can lead to a variety of health problems, including stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.

Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular fibrillation is a more serious condition that can lead to sudden cardiac death. It is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

Symptoms

Symptoms of fibrillation can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness. In some cases, fibrillation may not cause any noticeable symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment for fibrillation depends on the type and severity of the condition. Options may include medication, cardioversion, catheter ablation, or surgery. In some cases, a pacemaker or defibrillator may be implanted to help regulate the heart's rhythm.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for fibrillation include maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can also help detect and manage any potential risk factors.

WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia


Stub icon
   This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD