FLORIDA — BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation or AF, is the most common type of arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.
AF occurs if rapid, disorganized electrical signals cause the heart's two upper chambers—called the atria—to fibrillate. The term "fibrillate" means to contract very fast and irregularly.
In AF, blood pools in the atria. It isn't pumped completely into the heart's two lower chambers, called the ventricles. As a result, the heart's upper and lower chambers don't work together as they should.
People who have AF may not feel symptoms. However, even when AF isn't noticed, it can increase the risk of stroke. In some people, AF can cause chest pain or heart failure, especially if the heart rhythm is very rapid.
AF may happen rarely or every now and then, or it may become an ongoing or long-term heart problem that lasts for years. (Source: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute)
WHAT CAUSES ATRIAL FIBRILLATION?
Abnormalities or damage to the heart's structure are the most common cause of atrial fibrillation. Possible causes of atrial fibrillation include:
-High blood pressure
-Heart attacks
-Abnormal heart valves
-Heart defects you're born with (congenital)
-An overactive thyroid gland or other metabolic imbalance
-Exposure to stimulants such as medications, caffeine or tobacco, or to alcohol
-Sick sinus syndrome — improper functioning of the heart's natural pacemaker
-Emphysema or other lung diseases
-Previous heart surgery
-Viral infections
-Stress due to pneumonia, surgery or other illnesses
-Sleep apnea
However, some people who have atrial fibrillation don't have any heart defects or damage, a condition called lone atrial fibrillation. In lone atrial fibrillation, the cause is often unclear, and serious complications are rare. (Source: mayoclinic.com)
THE HEARTLIGHT: The HeartLight® Endoscopic Ablation System, is the first technology that allows cardiologists to see inside a beating heart while performing laser energy catheter ablation, a treatment aimed at restoring normal heart rhythm after medication has failed. The HeartLight incorporates a small camera, or endoscope, that allows cardiologists to see inside a beating heart on a monitor to more precisely deliver ablation energy. While the technology is only available at trial sites in the U.S., it is currently used at medical centers throughout Europe. (Source: beaumont.edu)
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