Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation and clotting

A normal heart beats with a steady coordinated rhythm. The atria on both sides squeeze blood into the ventricles (1), and the ventricles squirt the blood out of the heart (2). The heart relaxes and the process starts over again (3), repeating 60 to 80 times per minute when the body is at rest.

During atrial fibrillation, the atria beat very rapidly – 300 to 500 beats per minute. Small areas of the atrial wall contract and relax independently of one another. The ventricles beat irregularly – 80 to 160 beats per minute – uncoordinated with the atria.

Atrial fibrillation greatly reduces the heart’s pumping efficiency. In addition to symptoms such as palpitations and chest pain, it can cause embolism, where clots formed in the atria are released into the blood stream. This can be very serious if one lodges in a vital organ such as the lungs or the brain.

Drugs and other therapies are used to control episodes of fibrillation. Anti-coagulant drugs are used to prevent the clotting which causes embolism.

LABELS:
Ventricles Atria
Normal ECG Atrial fibrillation ECG

Text and illustrations by Kevin T. Boyd

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Acupressure for heart health
Here is a list of acupressure points to use while seeking medical help for Heart attack, on PointFinder.org.
If this is your first time, please read the instructions. Don’t use acupressure to replace standard emergency procedures or licensed medical treatment. If you are seriously injured or have acute symptoms seek urgent medical treatment.

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