How To Manage Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an abnormal heart rhythm characterized by the rapid and irregular beating of the heart’s atrial chambers. It often begins as short periods of abnormal beating, which become longer or continuous over time. It may also start as other forms of arrhythmia such as atrial flutter that then transform into AF. Occasionally there may be heart palpitations, fainting, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or chest pain. The disease is associated with an increased risk of heart failure, dementia, and stroke. Siddha Spirituality of Swami Hardas Life System brings out every detail about atrial fibrillation for well-being.

Atrial fibrillation Meaning

Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal and irregular heart rhythm. Many people with this condition have no signs or symptoms. It is the most common supraventricular tachycardia.

Atrial fibrillation Risk factors

High blood pressure and valvular heart disease are the most common alterable risk factors. Other heart-related risk factors include:

• Heart failure,
• Coronary artery disease,
• Cardiomyopathy, and
• Congenital heart disease.

In the developing world, valvular heart disease often occurs as a result of rheumatic fever. Lung-related risk factors include:

• COPD,
• Obesity,
• Sleep apnea,
• Excess alcohol intake,
• Tobacco smoking,
• Diabetes mellitus, and
• Thyrotoxicosis.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common serious abnormal heart rhythm and, as of 2020, affects more than 33 million people worldwide. 

Atrial fibrillation Symptoms

AF is usually accompanied by symptoms related to a rapid heart rate. Rapid and irregular heart rates may be perceived as the sensation of the heart beating too fast, irregularly, or skipping beats (palpitations), or exercise intolerance and occasionally may produce anginal chest pain. Other possible symptoms include congestive heart failure symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or swelling.

It is not uncommon for a person to first become aware of AF from a routine physical examination or electrocardiogram, as it often does not cause symptoms.

Since most cases of AF are secondary to other medical problems, the presence of chest pain or angina, signs, and symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as weight loss and diarrhea, and symptoms suggestive of lung disease can indicate an underlying cause. A history of stroke or TIA, as well as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, or rheumatic fever, may indicate whether someone with AF is at a higher risk of complications.

Rapid heart rate

Presentation is similar to other forms of rapid heart rate and may be asymptomatic. Palpitations and chest discomfort are common complaints. The rapid uncoordinated heart rate may result in reduced output of blood pumped by the heart (cardiac output), resulting in inadequate blood flow, and therefore oxygen delivery to the rest of the body.

Common symptoms of Atrial fibrillation

Common symptoms of uncontrolled atrial fibrillation may include:

• Shortness of breath,
• Shortness of breath when lying flat,
• Dizziness, and
• Sudden onset of shortness of breath during the night.

Atrial fibrillation Causes

AF is linked to several forms of cardiovascular disease but may occur in otherwise normal hearts. Cardiovascular factors of AF include:

• High blood pressure,
• Coronary artery disease,
• Mitral valve stenosis e.g. due to rheumatic heart disease or mitral valve prolapse,
• Mitral regurgitation,
• Left atrial enlargement,
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM),
• Pericarditis,
• Congenital heart disease, and
• Previous heart surgery.

Congenital heart disease is a strong risk factor for developing atrial fibrillation—a 20-year-old adult with congenital heart disease has a comparable lifetime risk of developing atrial fibrillation when compared to a 55-year-old adult with no history of congenital heart disease.

People with congenital heart disease tend to develop atrial fibrillation at a younger age, which is more likely to be of right atrial origin (atypical) than of left origin and have a greater risk of progressing to permanent atrial fibrillation.

Genetics

A family history of AF may increase the risk of AF. A study of more than 2,200 people found an increased risk factor for AF of 1.85 for those that had at least one parent with AF. Various genetic mutations may be responsible.

Four types of genetic disorders are associated with atrial fibrillation:

• Familial AF as a monogenic disease
• Familial AF presenting in the setting of another inherited cardiac disease
• Inherited arrhythmic syndromes
• Non-familial AF associated with genetic backgrounds that may predispose to atrial fibrillation

Sedentary lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk factors associated with AF, such as:

• Obesity,
• Hypertension, or
• Diabetes mellitus.

This favors remodeling processes of the atrium due to inflammation or alterations in the depolarization of cardiomyocytes by elevation of sympathetic nervous system activity. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of AF compared to physical activity. 

Tobacco

The rate of AF in smokers is 1.4 times higher than in non-smokers. However, snus consumption, which delivers nicotine at a dose equivalent to that of cigarettes and is debated as a harm-reduction product, is not correlated with AF.

Alcohol

Acute alcohol consumption can directly trigger an episode of atrial fibrillation. Regular alcohol consumption also increases the risk of atrial fibrillation in several ways. The long-term use of alcohol alters the physical structure and electrical properties of the atria.

Alcohol consumption does this by repeatedly stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, increasing inflammation in the atria, raising blood pressure, lowering the levels of potassium and magnesium in the blood, worsening obstructive sleep apnea, and promoting harmful structural changes in the atria and ventricles of the heart. 

High blood pressure

According to the CHARGE Consortium, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure are predictors of the risk of AF. Systolic blood pressure values close to normal limit the increase in the risk associated with AF.

Diastolic dysfunction is also associated with AF, which increases left atrial pressure, left atrial volume, size, and left ventricular hypertrophy, characteristic of chronic hypertension. 

Other diseases

There is a relationship between risk factors such as obesity and hypertension, with the appearance of diseases such as diabetes mellitus and sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome, specifically, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). 

Medications

Few studies have examined this phenomenon, and the exact incidence of medication-induced atrial fibrillation is unknown. Medications that are commonly associated with an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation include dobutamine and the chemotherapy agent cisplatin.

Agents associated with a moderately increased risk include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs e.g. ibuprofen, bisphosphonates, and other chemotherapeutic agents such as melphalan, interleukin 2, and anthracyclines. 

Atrial fibrillation Diagnosis

The evaluation of atrial fibrillation involves a determination of the cause of the arrhythmia, and classification of the arrhythmia. Diagnostic investigation of AF typically includes a complete history and physical examination, ECG, transthoracic echocardiogram, complete blood count, and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level.

Screening

Numerous guidelines recommend opportunistic screening for atrial fibrillation in those 65 years and older.

Minimal evaluation

The goal of this evaluation is to determine the general treatment regimen for the individual.

History and physical examination

The history of the individual’s atrial fibrillation episodes is probably the most important part of the evaluation. Moreover, those who have gross and obvious symptoms due to AF and can pinpoint whenever they go into AF or revert to sinus rhythm.

Routine bloodwork

While many cases of AF have no definite cause, it may be the result of various other problems. Hence, kidney function and electrolytes are routinely determined, as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone and a blood count.

In acute-onset AF associated with chest pain, cardiac troponins, or other markers of damage to the heart muscle may be ordered. Coagulation studies (INR/aPTT) are usually performed, as anticoagulant medication may be commenced.

Electrocardiogram

Characteristic findings are the absence of P waves, with disorganized electrical activity in their place, and irregular R–R intervals due to irregular conduction of impulses to the ventricles. 

Echocardiography

In general, a non-invasive transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is performed in newly diagnosed AF, as well as if there is a major change in the person’s clinical state.

This ultrasound-based scan of the heart may help identify valvular heart disease, left and right atrial size, left ventricular size and function, peak right ventricular pressure, presence of left atrial thrombus, presence of left ventricular hypertrophy, and pericardial disease.

Transesophageal echocardiogram

A regular echocardiogram (transthoracic echo/TTE) has a low sensitivity for identifying blood clots in the heart. If a blood clot is seen on TEE, then cardioversion is contraindicated due to the risk of stroke, and anticoagulation is recommended.

Ambulatory Holter monitoring

A Holter monitor is a wearable ambulatory heart monitor that continuously monitors the heart rate and heart rhythm for a short duration, typically 24 hours.

In individuals with symptoms of significant shortness of breath with exertion or palpitations regularly, a Holter monitor may be of benefit to determine whether rapid heart rates (or unusually slow heart rates) during atrial fibrillation are the cause of the symptoms.

Exercise stress testing

Some individuals with atrial fibrillation do well with normal activity but develop shortness of breath with exertion. An exercise stress test will evaluate the individual’s heart rate response to exertion and determine whether the AV node blocking agents are contributing to the symptoms.

Atrial fibrillation Prevention

Prevention of atrial fibrillation focuses primarily on preventing or controlling its risk factors. Many of its risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption, are modifiable and preventable with lifestyle modification or can be managed by a healthcare professional.

Lifestyle modification

Several healthy lifestyle behaviors are associated with a lower likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation. Accordingly, consensus guidelines recommend abstaining from alcohol and recreational drugs, stopping tobacco use, maintaining a healthy weight, and regularly participating in moderate-intensity physical activities.

Consistent moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, defined as achieving 3.0-5.9 METs of intensity, for at least 150 minutes per week may reduce the risk of developing new-onset atrial fibrillation. Few studies have examined the role of specific dietary changes and how it relates to the prevention of atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation Management

The main goals of treatment are to prevent circulatory instability and stroke. Rate or rhythm control is used to achieve the former, whereas anticoagulation is used to decrease the risk of the latter.

If cardiovascularly is unstable due to uncontrolled tachycardia, immediate cardioversion is indicated. Many antiarrhythmics, when used long-term, increase the risk of death without any meaningful benefit. An integrated management approach, which includes stroke prevention, symptoms control, and management of associated comorbidities was associated with better outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Lifestyle modification

Regular aerobic exercise improves atrial fibrillation symptoms and AF-related quality of life. The effect of high-intensity interval training on reducing atrial fibrillation burden is unclear.

WEIGHT LOSS of at least 10% is associated with reduced atrial fibrillation burden in people who are overweight or OBESE.

Comorbidity treatment

For people who have both atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnea, observational studies suggest that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment appears to lower the risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence after undergoing ablation.

Randomized controlled trials examining the role of obstructive sleep apnea treatment on atrial fibrillation incidence and burden are lacking.

All people with atrial fibrillation need to optimize the control of all coexisting medical conditions that can worsen their atrial fibrillation, such as:

• Hyperthyroidism,
• Diabetes,
• Congestive heart failure,
• High blood pressure,
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
• Stimulant use e.g. methamphetamine dependence, and
• Excessive alcohol consumption.

Anticoagulants

Anticoagulation can be used to reduce the risk of stroke from AF. Anticoagulation is recommended in most people other than those at low risk of stroke or those at high risk of bleeding.

The risk of falls and consequent bleeding in frail elderly people should not be considered a barrier to initiating or continuing anticoagulation since the risk of fall-related brain bleeding is low and the benefit of stroke prevention often outweighs the risk of bleeding. 

Warfarin is the recommended anticoagulant choice for persons with valvular atrial fibrillation. The exception to this recommendation is in people with valvular atrial fibrillation who are unable to maintain a therapeutic INR on warfarin therapy.

Rate versus rhythm control

There are two ways to approach atrial fibrillation using medications:

• Rate control, and
• Rhythm control.

Both methods have similar outcomes. Rate control lowers the heart rate closer to normal, usually 60 to 100 bpm, without trying to convert to a regular rhythm. Rhythm control tries to restore a normal heart rhythm in a process called cardioversion and maintains the normal rhythm with medications.

The risk of stroke appears to be lower with rate control versus attempted rhythm control, at least in those with heart failure. AF is associated with a reduced quality of life, and, while some studies indicate that rhythm control leads to a higher quality of life, some did not find a difference.

Rate control

Rate control with medications, which include:

• Beta-blockers (preferably beta-blockers such as metoprolol, bisoprolol, or nebivolol)
• Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem or verapamil)
• Cardiac glycosides (e.g. digoxin) – have less use, apart from in older people who are sedentary. They are not as effective as either beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers.

Cardioversion

Cardioversion is the attempt to switch an irregular heartbeat to a normal heartbeat using electrical or chemical means.

Electrical cardioversion

Electrical cardioversion involves the restoration of normal heart rhythm through the application of a DC electrical shock. The exact placement of the pads does not appear to be important.

Chemical cardioversion

Chemical cardioversion is performed with medications, such as amiodarone, dronedarone, procainamide (especially in pre-excited atrial fibrillation), dofetilide, ibutilide, propafenone, or flecainide.

Surgery

Ablation

Catheter ablation (CA) is a procedure performed by an electrophysiologist, a cardiologist who specializes in heart rhythm problems, to restore the heart’s normal rhythm by destroying, or electrically isolating, specific parts of the atria.

Most commonly, CA electrically isolates the left atrium from the pulmonary veins, where most of the abnormal electrical activity promoting atrial fibrillation originates.

CA is a form of rhythm control that restores normal sinus rhythm and reduces AF-associated symptoms more reliably than antiarrhythmic medications.

Left atrial appendage occlusion

There is tentative evidence that left atrial appendage occlusion therapy may reduce the risk of stroke in people with non-valvular AF as much as warfarin.

After surgery

After catheter ablation, people are moved to a cardiac recovery unit, intensive care unit, or cardiovascular intensive care unit where they are not allowed to move for 4–6 hours.

Minimizing movement helps prevent bleeding from the site of the catheter insertion. The length of time people stay in the hospital varies from hours to days.

Additionally, people should not engage in strenuous physical activity – to maintain a low heart rate and low blood pressure – for around six weeks.

Siddha remedies for Atrial fibrillation

1. Siddha preventive measures

Everybody must practice Siddha preventive measures, whether a person is affected with atrial fibrillation or not, but preventive measures are the primary steps for switching on to any other Siddha remedies, and hence they are important. It helps in one’s capability, effectiveness, and productivity, decision-making power, intellectuality, and removing minor health problems. There are three types of preventive measures:

• Earthing – performed for removing and earthing the negativity of our body
• Field cleaning – cleans the energy field (Aura) of our body
• Siddha brain exercise/Energizing – energizes our brain for proper functionality

Everybody’s tendency is to get attracted to the word ‘free, however, don’t neglect even these Siddha preventive measures are free. Avail of the benefits by practicing them sincerely, and regularly. For the ease of understanding what Siddha preventive measures are, please watch a video for a live demonstration.

2. Siddha Shaktidata Yog 

This unique Siddha Shaktidata Yog of Siddha Spirituality can solve the problems related to atrial fibrillation with Siddha remedies. There is no compulsion of training of ‘Swami Hardas Life System’ methods. This not only gives benefits to self but also it can be used for other affected persons, whether a person is in the same house, distantly available in the same city, same nation, or might be in any corner of the world, however, both the procedures have been explained here.

3. Siddha Kalyan Sadhana

Recite this Sadhana with a Sankalp “My problems of atrial fibrillation are solved as early as possible and I should gain health”, which should be repeated in mind 3 – 3 times every after each stanza. Any person irrespective of caste, creed, religion, faith, sex, and age can recite this Sadhana for free, which should be repeated at least twice a day. To know more, please click on this link.

4. CCPE products 

These products work on the concepts of ‘Conceptual Creative Positive Energy’ (CCPE) within the provisions of the ‘CCPE Life System’ and the theory of Quantum Technology to a certain extent. However, the products get activated only whenever touched by a human and then they become capable of solving the problem and achieving health. However, please use these products for atrial fibrillation as mentioned below:

CCPE Extractor: The CCPE Extractor should be gently moved over the Agya Chakra in a circular motion at least for 30 to 60 seconds, thereafter, follow the same process on the head, heart, and naval, which finishes within almost 3 minutes.

CCPE Booster: Keep one Booster over the Agya Chakra and another over the head, heart, and naval for 3 minutes. You may need to have 4 Boosters, which establishes positivity. 

CCPE Booster Powder: Mix a pinch of CCPE booster powder with a few drops of coconut oil and make a paste. Apply it over the heart and leave it for about 30 minutes. Repeat the process every after 2 hours.

5. UAM (Understanding, Awakening, Movement)

For quick and effective results, it is advisable to learn the unique methods of the Swami Hardas Life System. A trained person can only apply the UAM method himself/herself and become capable of healing others after undergoing a unique Shaktipat.

A daily routine 

In general, a daily routine may look like this:

• Increase physical activities e.g. exercise, walking, or swimming
• Consume Sattvic diet
• Perform breathing exercises regularly
• Apply free Siddha remedies a minimum 3 times a day, as explained above
• Practice Ananda meditation or Acem meditation regularly
• Do Siddha Nyasa regularly
• Perform Swayamsiddha Agnihotra daily, if feasible
• In case, if someone wishes to learn advanced methods of Swami Hardas Life System, undergo unique training

Ensure to sprinkle in some fun during the day. Don’t forget to relax and laugh in between. Laughing is a great way to boost your immune system and help you.

Along with all the above activities, apply above explained free Siddha remedies minimum 3 times a day, the more is good. Just try the methods of Siddha Spirituality of Swami Hardas Life System. I am confident that you will surely find improvements within 7 days.

Training of Swami Hardas Life System

Any health, peace, and the progress-related problem can be solved independently by undergoing Swami Hardas Life System training. It needs no money and medicines. Any person irrespective of religion, caste, creed, faith, sex, and age can undergo this unique training.

Conclusion

Because of the above, I am confident that you have learned about atrial fibrillation, meaning, symptoms, risk factors, causes, diagnosis, prevention, management, and Siddha remedies. Now, you have become self-sufficient, hence it’s the right time to use your acquired knowledge for solving problems as per the provision available in Siddha Spirituality of Swami Hardas Life System.

However, keep learning and practicing the free Siddha remedies, which would help guide how to solve various problems regarding health, peace, and progress, without money and medicines.

After reading this article, how would you rate it? Would you please let me know your precious thoughts? 

Frequently asked questions

Here are a few frequently asked questions regarding atrial fibrillation. However, before posting your query, kindly go through them:

What is the meaning of atrial fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal and irregular heart rhythm.

 

What are the best ways to prevent atrial fibrillation? Prevention of atrial fibrillation focuses primarily on preventing or controlling its risk factors. Many of its risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption, are modifiable and preventable with lifestyle modification or can be managed by a healthcare professional.

Reference:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atrial_fibrillation
• https://www.medicinenet.com/atrial_fibrillation/article.htm