In the busy schedule of everyday life, most of the people tend to follow an unhealthy lifestyle which leads to serious health disorders. Some of them can even have life-threatening consequences, such as heart disease and stroke. However, noticing the warning sign at an early stage and getting proper treatment accordingly can restore your health. This is a dangerous heart disease in this regard where a patient may require immediate treatment depending on its type. Acupuncture is one of the effective treatment procedures.
What happens in atrial fibrillation?
The disease disrupts the regular heart rhythm and makes it beat faster. Here, the two upper chambers of the heart known as the atria tend to lose coordination with the lower chambers known as the ventricles. Because of this, blood cannot be pumped efficiently, which causes clotting in the heart. The clots can eventually reach different organs through the arteries. The drugs can restrict and even block the blood supply to affected organs and cause serious damage to those organs.
Different types of atrial fibrillation
Based on the duration and causes of the irregular heartbeat, atrial fibrillation can be divided into four types:
- paroxysmal fibrillation it is defined as an episode when the irregular heartbeat lasts less than a week with or without medical intervention. Also called intermittent AF. Such episodes of rapid heart rate can occur a few times during the year, making diagnosis difficult.
- persistent fibrillation refers to the condition in which the heart rate remains abnormal for more than a week but less than 12 months. The heart rate does not return to normal unless the patient receives proper treatment.
- long-standing fibrillation refers to the stage where the chaotic heartbeat remains for more than 12 months.
- permanent fibrillation occurs when such a condition is maintained indefinitely.
What factors cause atrial fibrillation?
These factors range from alcohol addiction to some other heart diseases that the patient already suffers from. The main factors responsible for causing atrial fibrillation are:
- Congenital heart disease
- Coronary or blocked arteries
- high blood pressure
- heart valve defects
- Previous heart attack
- You have an overactive thyroid gland
- Excessive addiction to caffeine, tobacco and alcohol.
- Sleep apnea
- too much stress
Diagnosis of atrial fibrillation
Several symptoms indicate the possibility:
- Irregular heartbeat and fluttering in the chest
- Difficulty breathing, dizziness and anxiety
- Constant fatigue and easy tiredness.
- Sweating and pain inside the chest.
Treatment of atrial fibrillation using acupuncture
Current regimens for the treatment of atrial fibrillation have not produced satisfactory results for AF. Several reports from China and other countries have shown that acupuncture works faster and more effectively for atrial fibrillation due to stress, imbalanced hormones, and the nervous system, especially for atrial fibrillation related to sleep apnea, insomnia, excessive stress and menopause. Usually the treatment contains 10-12 sessions. Acupuncturists insert fine needles into points on the back, chest, and arm to achieve antiarrhythmic effects. It’s also worth noting that acupuncture is less expensive than conventional methods and has no side effects. Acupuncture for atrial fibrillation can also help improve circulation to the heart muscles to prevent heart failure and blood clots in the future.
