Fibrillation or Panic attack?

Question

Someone close to me requested an ambulance as they said they had fibrillation of the heart. I doubted them and thought they were just having a panic attack, and all that was needed was a bit of a rest. Anyhow I did call an ambulance and off to hospital they went. But I still have my doubts.

I look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibrillation and I have no clue, what, why, when and how.

Anyone care to make this easier to understand?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Atrial fibrillation is a conduction problem in the atria. In A-Fib, the atria, which are "primer" pumps which pump blood into the ventricles, stop contracting rhythmically, and instead quiver about producing several contractions and relaxing of tissue simultaneously, therefore failing to produce a synchronized beat in the atria. The ventricles are able to function, however, they eject less blood, causing symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue and tiredness. Indeed the quivering may cause a faster and uneven rate in the ventricles, but the AV node does a good job of protecting the ventricles from experiencing any abnormal rhythms as well (which would be much more serious.)

Answer 2

A fibrillation is when the heart is throwing in extra beats now and then. It feels funny (you can definitely feel it), and a person of older age might think a defibrillator is in order, idk.

A panic attack is when the heart beats fast (but evenly), you breathe really fast--perhaps hyperventilate, and your mind convinces your body that it is in combat state, so adrenalin kicks in. This is always attached to some fear (like heights) or some old experience (bombs going off in Vietnam). A panic attack can be treated easily by the attackee if they have their chill-out med with them.

What did the hospital say? Was it a genuine heart condition, or was the heart okay and the patient panicked?

Take care,

TX Mom

Answer 3

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