In the day to day
busy schedule most people tend to follow an unhealthy lifestyle that causes
serious health disorders. Some of them may even have life threatening
consequences, such as heart diseases and stroke. However, noticing the warning
sign at an early stage and getting proper treatment accordingly can bring back
your health on track. 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 efficacious treatment procedures.
What happens in
Atrial Fibrillation?
The disease alters
the regular heart rate and makes it beat faster. Here, the two upper chambers
of the heart known as atria tend to lose coordination with the lower chambers
known as ventricles. Due to this, the blood cannot be pumped out efficiently,
resulting in clotting in the heart. The clots can eventually reach different
organs through the arteries. The clots can restrict and even block blood supply
to the affected organs and cause serious damage to those organs.
Different Types of
Atrial Fibrillation
Based on the
duration and causes of irregular heartbeats atrial fibrillation can be divided
into four types:
·
Paroxysmal fibrillation is defined as
an episode when the irregular heartbeats last for less than a week with or
without medical intervention. It is also called intermittent AF. Such episodes
of fast heart rates can occur a few times throughout the year making it
difficult to diagnose.
·
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 go back to normal unless the
patient gets proper treatment.
·
Long-standing fibrillation refers to the
stage at which the chaotic heartbeat stays for more than 12 months.
·
Permanent fibrillation occurs when
such condition remains for an indefinite time period.
What factors cause Atrial fibrillation?
These factors range
from alcohol addiction to some other heart diseases from which a patient is
already suffering. The primary factors responsible for causing atrial
fibrillation are:
·
Congenital heart diseases
·
Coronary or blocked arteries
·
High blood pressure
·
Defects in heart valves
·
Previous heart attack
·
A hyperactive 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 chest
·
Shortness of breath, dizziness and anxiety
·
Constant fatigue and easy tiredness
·
Sweating and pain inside the chest
Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation Using Acupuncture
Current regimes for
the treatment of atrial fibrillation have not generated satisfactory results
for AF. Several reports from China and other countries have shown that
acupuncture works faster and more efficacious for atrial fibrillation due to
stress, imbalanced hormones and nervous system, especially for AF related with
sleep apnea, insomnia, too much stress and menopause. Usually the treatment
contains 10-12 sessions. Acupuncturists insert fine needles into some points on
the back, chest, and the arm to achieve the anti-arrhythmic effects. It is also
worth noting that acupuncture is less expensive than the conventional methods
and has no side effects. Acupuncture for atrial fibrillation can also help
improve the circulation to your heart muscles to prevent the heart failure and
blood clots in the future.
Dr. Li Zheng, PhD
is a licensed acupuncturist & herbalist with a PhD in medical science. A
graduate of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine who practiced as a
physician in China, she has 26 years of experience. In addition, she is also a
professor and clinical supervisor of the New England School of Acupuncture,
consultant for Health Grid Inc. and author of two books, "Acupuncture and
Hormone Balance" and "Chinese Acupuncture and Herbs for Common
Diseases". Her website is https://bostonchineseacupuncture.org/.
