What is atrial fibrillation?
The heart has two upper chambers (the
left and right atrium, together called the atria) and two lower
chambers (the left and right ventricles).
Atrial fibrillation is a condition in
which the atria contract at a very high rate and in an irregular
way.
The atria and ventricles have walls of almost pure muscle. When
we talk of the heart 'beating', we are really referring to the
sudden tightening of this muscle so that the chambers become
smaller and the blood in them is squeezed out.
The control of the heartbeat starts with a small clump of muscle
cells in the right atrium, called the sinoatrial node. This acts as
the heart's natural pacemaker by transporting electrical impulses
to the atrioventricular node, which is located in between the atria
and ventricles.
The atrioventricular node determines the rate of contraction of
the ventricles. It is the contraction of the left ventricle that
produces the pulse rate. Atrial fibrillation occurs when the
atrioventricular node receives more impulses than it can conduct
and causes irregular squeezing of the ventricles. This then causes
a highly irregular pulse rate in people with atrial
fibrillation.
If you are referred to us with atrial
fibrillation, or suspected atrial fibrillation, you will be treated
by the Cardiology team.
What might the treatment involve?
The treatment of atrial fibrillation varies from person to
person.
The first step is to try to find out the cause of the atrial
fibrillation so it can be treated. If a cause is found, then
treating this may be all that is required. For example, medication
to correct hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) may resolve
the atrial fibrillation.
If there is no underlying cause that can be found then there are
a number options for treatment:
There are two main approaches to treating atrial
fibrillation: Anti-arrhythmics/ Cardioversion
The aim is to restore a normal heart rhythm, or control the rate
at which the heart beats.
Related wards and clinics
The Cardiology team operates in clinics in:
- Reading
- Wallingford
- Newbury
- Henley
If you need to stay in hospital you will be admitted to:
Useful Contacts
Operations Manager:
Sharon Herring
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
London Road
Reading
RG1 5AN
0118 322 5111