Atrial fibrillation is a disease that often accompanies various abnormalities in the work of the heart. This pathology is found in the majority of cardiologist visitors, it is common among the elderly and young people. It is important for every patient to carefully study the diagnosis of "persistent form of atrial fibrillation" - what is it, why it arises, and what symptoms accompany it.
What does "persistent form of atrial fibrillation" mean?
The disease, more commonly known as atrial fibrillation, is a sustained impairment of the rhythm of the heart. The pulse frequency in this case exceeds 350 times per minute, which leads to an irregular contraction of the ventricles at different intervals.
The word "persistent" in the diagnosis means that episodes of fibrillation last more than a week, and the heart rhythm does not restore itself.
What causes persistent atrial fibrillation?
The main causes of the described form of atrial fibrillation are:
- heart failure ;
- chronic kidney disease;
- cardiac ischemia;
- pericarditis or myocarditis;
- acquired and congenital heart defects;
- cardiomyopathy;
- heart tumors;
- diabetes;
- obesity;
- hyperthyroiditis;
- arterial hypertension;
- obstruction of the lungs;
- sleep apnea syndrome;
- genetic mutations.
How does the persistent form of fibrillation manifest?
In rare cases, the type of pathology presented is asymptomatic. As a rule, patients note the following signs of atrial fibrillation:
- pain, a feeling of constriction or burning in the chest;
- increased heart rate and pulse;
- fatigue and weakness;
- headache;
- syncope or pre-occult condition;
- dyspnea;
- frequent urination, especially at the onset of an attack.