Atrial Fibrillation – Treatment and The Role of Anticoagulants
It is the unusual rhythm caused in the heart.
The chambers of the heart beat fast (arterial chamber).
It stops the blood flowing smoothly into the body.
It can leads to –
- Blood clots
- Strokes
- Heart failure
The causes of atrial fibrillation-
Arterial fibrillation is the disruption in electrical signals in the heart.
It is the change in the structure or damage to cardiac tissues.
It heart rhythm fluctuates.
- High blood pressure
- Blocked /narrow arteries.
- Faulty heart valves
- Congenital heart disorder
Other medical conditions that may affect pumping of the heart.
- Obesity
- Sleep apnea
- Thyroid disorders
- Diabetes and kidney disorders
- Lung diseases
- Heart surgery
The other habits that may cause arterial fibrillation –
- Smoke
- Alcohol
- Illicit drug use
The Artrial Fibrillation symptoms-
- Racing heart
- Weakness
- Trouble breathing
- Light headedness
- Chest discomfort
- Reduced exercise capacity
- Chronic health disorders
Anticoagulants in Atrial fibrillation. Why?
During arterial fibrillation, the blood flow through the heart is not smooth or streamlined.
The blood pool or slow down, it forms pockets in the appendages.
It blood cells cling together to form a clump.
It leads to the clot formation.
The clot can travel through the blood stream and reach brain.
It can block the blood vessels.
It can lead to stroke in the brain.
The anticoagulants break down the clump/clot formation.
These dissolve the clumps caused due to blood pooling.
The commonly used anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation-
Direct oral anticoagulants –
These work by blocking the clotting proteins.
These inhibit the formation of thrombin or fibrin clot.
- Apixaban
- Rivaroxaban
Vitamin K antagonist –
These drugs block the natural clotting factors.
They inhibit clot formation.
- Warfarin
- Acenocoumarol
The injectable anticoagulant – Heparin.
Anticoagulant drug side effects-
Anticoagulants increase the risk of bleeding.
Always look for – bleeding gums, easy bruising, nosebleeds or heavy menstrual flow.
The signs of internal bleeding –
- Blood in stool/urine
- blood in vomiting and cough
Other side effects include –
- Stomach upset
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Other medicines used in managing atrial fibrillation-
Medications to control heart rate-
Beta blockers-
These slow down the heart rate.
They block the adrenaline.
These stops the electrical signals.
- Metoprolol
- Bisoprolol
- Carvedilol
Calcium channel blockers –
It slows down the heart rate.
It targets the AV node.
It slows down the electrical signals.
- Diltiazem
- Verapamil
Digoxin – It reduces the electrical activity from the upper chamber to the lower heart chambers.
Medicines to control heart-rhythm-
Sodium channel blockers –
These block the sodium induced repolarization /depolarization of the heart.
Quinidine, Lidocaine
Potassium channel blockers-
These delay the repolarization.
It inhibits tachycardia.
Amiodarone and Sotalol.
The contract drug manufacturer for global exports-
Aprazer Healthcare is the leading pharmaceutical manufacturer.
We export drugs globally to countries in Asia, Africa and America.
We manufacture a diverse range of Anticoagulants /Anti-fibrinolytic agents.
We are anticoagulant /antifibrinolytic drugs exports from India.
Why global manufacturers choose us?
- Export ready product dossier
- Regulatory compliant manufacturing
- Quality control and assurance
- Audit –ready labs
- Complete documentation
- Transparent dealings
- Robust distribution network
