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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
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Australian Prescriber Vol. 23 No. 5 2000
Atrial fibrillation
In the normal heart, the muscles of the upper chambers (atria) contract regularly. If these regular contractions are replaced by fast and irregular twitching the person has developed atrial fibrillation. This makes their pulse fast and irregular. Atrial fibrillation occurs commonly, particularly in older people.
Atrial fibrillation can be caused by high blood pressure, heart disease, an overactive thyroid gland or alcohol. If untreated, atrial fibrillation can cause heart failure or strokes.
If atrial fibrillation starts suddenly an electric shock to the chest wall can stop the heart muscle irregularity. Some medicines can also be used to make the pulse normal. Once the atrial fibrillation stops, the patient may need to take a medicine to prevent it starting again.
Sometimes the atrial fibrillation cannot be stopped. In these cases treatment is given to slow the pulse rate. A medicine called digoxin is often used. The patient may also be given warfarin to thin the blood. This reduces the risk of having a stroke.
