How is AF diagnosed? How does it progress?

Due to the numerous causes of AF, diagnosing the disease may include several factors, including family history, signs and symptoms (palpitations, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, etc...), physical exams, and most accurately an electrocardiogram or ECG. An ECG is a test which interprets and provides an illustration of the electrical rhythm of the heart. As we know, AF is an electrical disturbance in the heart, therefore this test provides the physician with the best presentation for determining a diagnosis. (1)

The disease typically progresses as aging progresses. Through early diagnoses, AF can usually be well controlled through lifestyle and medication. If those with AF follow their treatment plan and live a healthy life (eating well and exercising) to keep blood pressure in a healthy range and cholesterol/fat to a minimum, AF is less likely to progress into complications. The other factor influencing disease progression depends on which type of AF the person has (paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent) which we learned about last week. (2)

It is important to understand that you could have AF without knowing it. Not everyone experiences the symptoms and this can cause the disease to progress undetected. Be sure to visit your doctor for wellness and physical exams to assess your heart and promote the chance of early detection and treatment if required.

Here is an illustration of what an ECG would look like with AF in comparison to a normal rhythm. (3)

 References:

1.     How Is Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosed? (2014, September 18). Retrieved January 29, 2015, from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/af/diagnosis
2.     Long-Term Progression and Outcomes With Aging in Patients With Lone Atrial Fibrillation. (2007, March 30). Retrieved January 28, 2015, from http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/115/24/3050.short
3.     Illustration of the electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) in atrial fibrillation [Motion picture]. (2012). YouTube.