Pre-excited atrial fibrillation

Pre-Excited Atrial Fibrillation

Pre-excited atrial fibrillation (PAF) is an arrhythmia characterized by rapid, irregular heartbeats caused by electrical signals tracking an abnormal route through the atria. This increased electrical conduction rate leads to a rapid flutter of the atria, resulting in an irregular heart rhythm. An underlying cause is often an atrioventricular bypass tract, or an atrioventricular accessory pathway.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of PAF is an abnormally rapid heartbeat, often described as feeling like the heart is fluttering, pounding, or skipping beats. Other possible symptoms include shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting. These symptoms may be temporary or longer lasting.

Diagnosis

PAF can be diagnosed during a physical exam. Your doctor may also use a cardiac monitor or other imaging techniques to assess your heart rhythm. Other tests that may be done to confirm the diagnosis of PAF include electrocardiograms (ECG), echocardiograms (echo), an echocardiogram/electrophysiology study (EPS), and an electrophysiology study (EPS).

Treatment

Treatment of PAF may involve lifestyle changes, medications, or medical procedures. Some lifestyle modifications that may help reduce symptoms include avoiding stress and caffeine, getting adequate rest and exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet.

Medications used to treat PAF may include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or antiarrhythmic drugs. These drugs help reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. Medical procedures used to treat PAF may include radiofrequency ablation, implantation of a pacemaker, or placement of a defibrillator.

Risk Factors

Your risk of developing PAF increases with age, underlying heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and excessive alcohol use. PAF can also be hereditary. People with certain conditions such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, sick sinus syndrome, and myocarditis are at an increased risk of developing PAF.

Complications

• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Cardiac arrest
• Sudden death
• Blood clots

Seeking medical attention and receiving prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential in managing the symptoms and associated risks of PAF. Following your doctor's advice and taking steps to reduce your risk factors can help you enjoy a healthier, more comfortable life.