Patient's question:
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My doctor's younger brother suddenly experienced accelerated heartbeat and shortness of breath while leaving work a few days ago. Upon hospitalization, he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. What is the cause of atrial fibrillation? How does it happen?
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Doctor's answer:
Atrial fibrillation increases with age, but the reason is unclear. Don't panic about atrial fibrillation; it does not have a fatal arrhythmia. For some people, atrial fibrillation starts as paroxysmal and gradually becomes persistent. Currently, there is no effective and mature treatment method. For paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, after recurrence, antiarrhythmic drugs can be used under the guidance of a doctor to restore the rhythm or slow the heart rate. Generally, it will return to sinus rhythm; during the recurrence interval, preventive medications can be used; long-term intake of anticoagulant drugs can prevent thrombus formation or embolism.