End of year with more drinking gatherings... If your heart suddenly races??

The number of patients experiencing rapid and irregular atrial contractions, known as atrial fibrillation, is increasing. The National Health Insurance Service announced that the prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the country has doubled over the past 10 years.

It is especially important to be cautious now, as the weather is cold and there are many year-end drinking parties. Cold winter temperatures activate the sympathetic nervous system, putting a strain on the heart. Research shows that for every 10°C drop in temperature, the incidence of atrial fibrillation increases by 20%. Alcohol consumption also raises the risk of atrial fibrillation. Drinking just one shot of soju a day increases the risk by 16%. Particularly, patients with hypertension and diabetes should pay close attention to their heart rate.

An increase in heart rate while drinking alcohol is a normal response. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels in the skin, lowering blood pressure. At this time, the body raises the heart rate to restore blood pressure. Once the alcohol is metabolized, it returns to normal.

Most atrial fibrillation patients have hypertension and diabetes.

Atrial fibrillation has a higher incidence when underlying conditions such as hypertension and diabetes are present. According to the 'Korean Atrial Fibrillation Fact Sheet' published by the Arrhythmia Society, the main comorbidities in atrial fibrillation patients in 2022 were ▲hypertension 80.5% ▲diabetes 31.5% ▲chronic kidney disease 27.6%. Hypertension is the most common associated condition, as persistent blood pressure elevation causes structural changes in the atria, increasing the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation. Diabetes also exerts chronic stress on the cardiovascular system, inducing inflammatory responses and metabolic disorders, thereby increasing the risk of atrial fibrillation. Patients with chronic kidney disease are vulnerable to atrial fibrillation due to electrolyte imbalances and fluid overload, which destabilize cardiac electrical signals.

◇Symptoms of atrial fibrillation are easy to miss... What are the signals that should not be overlooked?

The symptoms of atrial fibrillation can lead to serious complications such as stroke if left untreated. Some people may feel the symptoms mildly, experiencing them temporarily and then they disappear, which can lead to underestimating the condition, so caution is needed. It is good to be familiar with the symptoms, which include ▲palpitations (heart pounding) ▲shortness of breath ▲dizziness ▲fatigue ▲chest discomfort. The most common symptom experienced by patients is a sudden rapid or irregular heartbeat. For patients over 60 years old or those with comorbid conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, taking an electrocardiogram (ECG) once a year can be very helpful in early detection of atrial fibrillation.

◇Rapid treatment is important... it can also be managed with medication

Treatment for atrial fibrillation is broadly divided into medication, procedures, and surgery. Medication aims to control rapid heart rate through 'rate control' or restore normal rhythm through 'rhythm control,' stabilizing the heartbeat and alleviating symptoms. The success rate of rhythm control to normalize the heartbeat is higher when the duration of atrial fibrillation is shorter. If there is no improvement with medication, catheter ablation is performed. High-frequency or cryoenergy is used to block abnormal electrical signals, normalizing the heartbeat. This treatment is effective in young patients, those who have failed medication therapy, and patients whose quality of life has been impaired by atrial fibrillation. The choice of treatment for atrial fibrillation depends on individual factors such as the patient's age, overall health, and presence of cardiovascular disease.

◇The key to prevention is managing 'stress'

To prevent atrial fibrillation, it is important to thoroughly manage underlying conditions along with lifestyle improvements. Regular exercise and a balanced diet promote cardiovascular health. Alcohol consumption and smoking should be reduced, and patients with underlying conditions should regularly monitor and manage blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Stress management is also very important. Excessive stress stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing irregular heartbeats. It is advisable to relieve stress through meditation, deep breathing exercises, and adequate rest.