What is nonvalvular atrial fibrillation?

Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation This is atrial fibrillation that isn’t caused by a problem with a heart valve. It’s caused by other things, such as high blood pressure or an overactive thyroid gland. Doctors don’t always know what the cause is.

What is the difference between valvular and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation?

Valvular AFib and nonvalvular AFib are terms used to describe AFib caused by two different factors. AFib is considered valvular when it’s seen in people who have a heart valve disorder or a prosthetic heart valve. Nonvalvular AFib generally refers to AFib caused by other things, such as high blood pressure or stress.

What is Nvaf?

The term nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is used with increasing frequency to describe patients who may benefit from new oral anticoagulants (NOACs).

Is paroxysmal atrial fibrillation non valvular?

These include valvular heart diseases, in which irregularities in the valves of a person’s heart lead to abnormal heart rhythms. However, many people with AFib don’t have valvular heart disease. If you have AFib not caused by a valvular heart disease, it’s often called nonvalvular AFib.

How long can you live with chronic atrial fibrillation?

The mortality rate associated with atrial fibrillation has improved over the past 45 years – but only marginally. A longitudinal study found that atrial fibrillation reduces life expectancy by two years on average, a small improvement from the three year reduction expected in the 1970s and 80s.

Should I go to the hospital for atrial fibrillation?

AFib episodes rarely cause serious problems, but they’ll need to get checked out. If they’re uncomfortable or their heart is beating rapidly, call 911 or go to an emergency room. Doctors may use medications or a device called a cardioverter to help their heart go back to a normal rhythm.

Can you live with constant AFib?

With proper treatment, individuals with atrial fibrillation can live normal and active lives. Atrial fibrillation, commonly referred to as AF or a-Fib, is the most commonly occurring arrhythmia, or heart rhythm problem. AF is characterized by an abnormal or irregular heart rhythm that causes a rapid heart rate.

Why do you get atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation happens when abnormal electrical impulses suddenly start firing in the atria. These impulses override the heart’s natural pacemaker, which can no longer control the rhythm of the heart. This causes you to have a highly irregular pulse rate.

What is worse AFib or VFib?

Is AFib or VFib more serious and dangerous? By far, VFib is more serious. If ventricular fibrillation isn’t treated immediately, the patient will have a “sudden death” or “cardiac arrest” and die.

Does AFib shorten your life expectancy?

Untreated AFib can raise your risk for problems like a heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, which could shorten your life expectancy.

Can a person with atrial fibrillation live a long life?

The good news is that although AF is a long-term condition, if managed correctly, you can continue to lead a long and active life. There are a number of steps you can take that will help you manage your condition, lower your risk of stroke and relieve any worries you may have.