What Causes Black Out When Diagnosed With Atrial Fibrillation?

Thank you for your query. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by irregular heart beats which usually occur at with either a fast (without medications) , normal or slow rate (usually with medications). This efficiency of the heart depends on the amount of blood it can pump in a contraction. This depends on the rate, rhythm, heart muscle and peripheral resistance ( hypertension increases this resistance and makes the heart work harder) When the heart beats too fast or too slow, the amount of blood that pours into the heart and the amount that gets pumped out is affected. The other factors like contractility, peripheral resistance and rhythm need to adjust to make amend for the compromise in blood flow. When the rhythm is irregular, blood stagnates in the heart and forms clots. These clots can dislodge and travel (emboli) through the circulation and block blood supply to vital organs like the kidney, lung and brain resulting in life threatening complications. Atrial fibrillation needs to be controlled and treated with antibiotics arrhythmic medications and blood thinners to prevent clots. Flecainide helps by reducing the heart rate and correcting the rhythm in most cases. However the dosage needs to adjusted to suit your body s need and response. A fainting or almost fainting spell in addition to a low pulse rate of 40 beats per minute is warning enough to seek emergency help. Try to see your doctor right away. If that s not possible, go to the ER. An embolism or compromised blood flow (too low or too high a heart beat) needs to be ruled out. Please note that the pulse rate that you feel at the wrist or elsewhere may not directly or correctly reflect the true heart rate in Atrial fibrillation (only good heart contractions are felt at the periphery). For instance, you may monitor a pulse of 40 but when your heart is monitored for electrical activity, it may show a faster rate. I recommend seeking medical help ASAP to diagnose and treat appropriately (either a problem with dosing or another heart episode) Expect to be hospitalized with continuous cardiac monitoring. Please have someone take you to the doctor. Hope this helps. Please get back to us with further questions if you have any. Wish you good health