The normal sinus rhythm frequency is 60- 100 beats/min, and the two atria contract harmoniously, so it is not easy to form thrombus. During atrial fibrillation, the frequency of atrial electrical activity reaches 350-600 beats/min, which is faster. The contraction of two atria is not harmonious, that is, some atria contract and some atria relax, which makes the whole atrium in a state of peristalsis (also called atrial fibrillation), which will lead to slow blood flow and thrombosis. The left atrium also has an ear called the left atrial appendage. During normal heartbeat, blood flows into and out of the left atrial appendage regularly. When atrial fibrillation occurs, the atrium itself is in a state of peristalsis, and the left atrial appendage is closer to a static state. It is like a pocket, which contains a part of blood flow and quickly forms a thrombus.
Relationship between atrial fibrillation and cerebral infarction: 85% of embolic events caused by atrial fibrillation are cerebral infarction. According to the American Heart Association's atrial fibrillation management guidelines, the incidence of cerebral infarction in patients with atrial fibrillation is five times that of healthy people. The older you get, the greater the risk of cerebral infarction. Cerebral infarction associated with atrial fibrillation is more serious than that associated with non-atrial fibrillation. The 30-day mortality rate is 27%~57% higher than that of patients without atrial fibrillation, and the disability rate is doubled. The mortality and recurrence rate in 1 year are twice as high as those in patients without atrial fibrillation.
If atrial fibrillation is diagnosed, it is very important to take anticoagulants to prevent thrombosis. Traditional anticoagulants mainly include heparin anticoagulants such as low molecular weight heparin, fondaparinux sodium and vitamin K antagonists (such as warfarin). New anticoagulant drugs mainly include intravenous or oral thrombin inhibitors and activated coagulation factor inhibitors. Although the new anticoagulant has many advantages, it can not completely replace the traditional anticoagulant at present.
Although anticoagulants have the risk of bleeding, it is necessary to monitor coagulation indicators, pay attention to a healthy and stable lifestyle, and even try to ensure that the overall habits will not change much when eating vegetables. But compared with the cerebral infarction caused by atrial fibrillation, the cost of these preventive measures is overestimated! At the same time, patients with atrial fibrillation are often complicated with other heart diseases and need comprehensive treatment under the guidance of specialists to feel at ease! In addition, atrial fibrillation may often be complicated with heart diseases such as hypertension, so it is necessary to take related drugs to control the three highs and treat heart diseases at the same time.