Patient was educated on signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation as follows:
- Fast heart rate
- In atrial fibrillation, the impulse for the contraction of heart is initiated from multiple sites in and around the atria.
- The impulses that originate in multiple sites in the atria give rise to a chaotic rhythm and the atria typically quiver than contract.
- This results in an irregular, abnormal, and very rapid contraction of the atria at a rate more than 300 beats per minute.
- Palpitations
- Abnormally fast heart rate can result in palpitations and pressure in the chest.
- Chest pain
- Compromised blood circulation to the heart muscle can occur, resulting in episodes of chest pain.
- Diminished function of vital organs
- Compromised blood and oxygen supply to the vital organs affect their function gradually. Blood supply could be reduced to all organs, such as, brain, heart, lung, stomach, and kidneys, affecting their function.
- Reduced volume of oxygenated blood in the circulation will result in low blood pressure and result in hypotensive symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness. Also, reduced blood supply to the brain can result in increased confusion and frequency of dizzy episodes, thus contributing to falls and accidents.
- Progressively reduced blood supply to the kidneys can result in deterioration of renal function, diminished urine output, increased fluid and waste retention, and renal failure.
- Reduced blood supply to the muscles can result in reduced oxygen supply to the muscle, thus leading to muscle pain, fatigue, and reduced endurance to activity.
