What is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial Fibrillation, also known as AFib or AF is a condition in which your heart’s normal rhythm is out of order. In biological terms, when the upper two chambers of the heart i.e. the atrium or the auricles experience any kind of anarchic electrical signals it causes irregular or increased heart rate. In a normal or healthy condition, the heart beats at the rate of 60-100 beats per minute however when you experience Atrial Fibrillation the heart beats at 100- 175 beats per minute. If no medical treatment is given it can be serious and can lead to stroke, blood clots, heart failure, and possibly death.
What goes on during AF?
In the body the blood is pumped by the heart. A process of contraction and relaxation takes place by the upper two chambers of the heart {auricles} and lower two chambers of the heart [ventricles} which cause the heart to beat. In a normal condition these actions when timed accordingly, allow for an efficient pump. The electrical system of the heart directs the timing for this which begins in the sinoatrial node. The SA Node is responsible for directing electrical impulses. The problem occurs when in place of the SA Node many other impulses are suddenly fired at once which causes a very fast and disorderly rhythm in the atria. The electrical impulses are so quick and chaotic, the atrium fails to contract or relax blood into the ventricles and the chance of the formation of blood clots doubles. In the worst case it breaks off, enters the bloodstream, and blocks the artery, possibly leading to a stroke. Because of this clot risk these patients are put on blood-thinning medications.
Causes of Atrial Fibrillation
The cause of AF is not always known but some cases the cause of AF are listed below:
· High blood pressure
· Coronary artery disease
· Heart valve disease
· Congestive heart failure
· An overactive thyroid gland
· Any viral infection
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Why is WARFARIN recommended for patients with AF?
In recent years many advances have been made in the prevention of heart attacks. Anticoagulation therapy is best suited for patients with Atrial Fibrillation. The rate of stroke is almost 5 times higher in patients with AF. Therefore, it becomes vital to treat AF. WARFARIN which is an anticoagulant drug is considered very effective in reducing the rate of stroke. The use of WARFARIN [COUMADIN] is not only health effective but cost-effective as well. Doses of WARFARIN can be managed or adjusted after measuring the PT/INR level of patients. It is recommended that an INR range of 2-3 is highly effective for patients with AF. Therefore it is important to control your INR level. One study reported that patients who were testing their INR level at home with the help of a home PT/INR MONITOR were more successful in maintaining their targeted INR levels, further reducing the risk of strokes. PATIENT SELF TESTING self testing kit is undoubtedly one more secure way of controlling and monitoring your INR LEVELs.