Echocardiogram is another important non-invasive diagnostic tool for AF. This test uses sound waves to produces an image of the heart and helps the cardiologist observe the different regions of the heart and assess their performance. [NIH]
Treatment for AF involves different approaches and may also be decided by the cardiologist depending on the nature of the AF. Paroxysmal AF, which lasts for a short duration (maximum few days) is usually treated with drugs that aim to control the sinus arrhythmia while cases of persistent AF maybe treated either for rhythm control or ventricular rate control. Drugs such as digoxin, (increases contraction and reduces rate) beta-blockers such as atenolol, metoprolol and calcium channel blockers such as verapamil are some of the avilable medications that try to improve the atrial refractory period to control AF. [Josephson, 2003]
Restoration of cardiac rhythm by means of electrical cardioversion is the most common intervention for patients. Since thromboembolism is one of the high risk factors in an AF episode, anticoagulation therapy is part of the treatment. In cases of patients presenting with AF episode lasting more than 12 hours or in whom the duration of arrhythmia is unknown it is advisable to administer anticoagulation therapy for 3 weeks before cardioversion. In cases of emergency, transoesophageal echocardiography prior to cardioversion is a common procedure to check for any thrombi formation in the atrium. A course of anticoagulation therapy should be continued after cardioversion to eliminate the risk of stroke. [Vias Markides, 2003]
In patients with persistent AF and sick sinus node the electro cardiologist may recommend radio frequency AV node ablation followed by permanent pacemaker implantation. [Josephson, 2003] From the nursing perspective it is essential...
5% while 70.5% took Aspirin within six hours after reaching hospital and 76.5% of patients admitted in the NICVD were receiving Aspirin therapy." (Jaiwa, 2006, p.1) Jaiwa reports a more recent study that states findings that out of 52 patients with chest pain only 13 patients or 25% of the 52 received aspirin. The stated reason for not giving aspirin to the other 39 patients included that "chest pain was not
(NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement, 2008) The Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are stated to be "recommended as first-line treatment in all people with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) "with or without symptoms of heart failure." (NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement, 2008) Additionally it is stated that strong evidence exists that ACE inhibitors "...increase life expectancy in people with LVSD and reduce the risk of hospitalization -- the effect is
Discharge Education to Promote Self-Efficacy in Heart Failure An Education Intervention For Patients With Heart Failure Management of congestive heart failure (CHF) continues to be a financial burden on the economy of the United States of America (USA); responsible for multiple hospital admissions and readmissions of patients with HF within thirty days post discharge. The disease has been associated with personal, physical, and economic challenges. As the population increases, the number of
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