How to relieve palpitations caused by atrial fibrillation

Jul 15, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have atrial fibrillation, and I've been experiencing palpitations occasionally these past few days, which makes me feel very uncomfortable. How can I relieve palpitations caused by atrial fibrillation?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xin
The method for relieving palpitations caused by atrial fibrillation depends on the specific circumstances. It is important to remain calm and avoid emotional excitement to prevent worsening of symptoms. For paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, prompt medication such as metoprolol should be administered to restore sinus rhythm and thereby alleviate palpitations. If the atrial fibrillation is persistent, rate-control medications like metoprolol may be taken orally under a doctor's guidance to improve symptoms. Additionally, if long-standing atrial fibrillation leads to bradycardia with heart rates below 60 beats per minute, and Holter monitoring confirms severe bradycardia or even cardiac pauses, implantation of a permanent pacemaker may be considered to improve symptoms such as palpitations. For palpitations caused by atrial fibrillation, appropriate relief measures should be comprehensively determined based on the patient's individual condition, and standardized treatment should be followed according to medical advice.