Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMeaning of RVR In CardiologySymptomsRisk FactorsWhat If You Have AFib Without RVR?How Serious Is AFib With RVR?DiagnosisTreatmentLiving Well With AFib With RVRFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Meaning of RVR In Cardiology
Symptoms
Risk Factors
What If You Have AFib Without RVR?
How Serious Is AFib With RVR?
Diagnosis
Treatment
Living Well With AFib With RVR
Frequently Asked Questions
Atrial fibrillation(AFib) is an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can lead to rapid heart rates and increase stroke risk. AFib with rapid ventricular rate (RVR) can cause symptoms ranging from fatigue to lightheadedness and fainting, increasing the risk of heart failure.
AFib is the most common arrhythmia, affecting an estimated 3 to 6 million people in the United States. About 1 in every 3 to 5 people is expected to develop AFib in their lifetime. This risk is expected to increase in the coming years as our population is aging and accumulating more risk factors.
This article will discuss symptoms, diagnosis, and management of AFib with RVR.
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AFib can be intermittent and it does not always cause symptoms, so some people may not know that they have Afib. Other people may experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including:
Some symptoms of AFib can overlap with other serious and life-threatening conditions like aheart attack. If you are experiencing concerning symptoms, such as chest discomfort or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately as these may be signs of a heart attack.
AFib risk factors include:
AFib does not necessarily cause a rapid heart rate. Some people with AFib may have a slow or normal heart rate. In this case, there may or may not be symptoms, but increased risk of stroke still needs to be evaluated and addressed with your healthcare provider.
AFib is a serious condition that increases the risk of stroke regardless of whether or not RVR is present.However, having Afib with RVR is even more serious. With a rapid heart rate, the heart’s beating is inefficient and cardiac output can drop.
When this happens, the heart is not supplying blood adequately to the body, whcih cause lack of blood flow to organs and the brain, leading to fainting andcongestive heart failure.
A chronically elevated heart rate can also lead to a type of heart failure called tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.
AFib with RVR is diagnosed using anelectrocardiogram(ECG). An ECG is a noninvasive test that picks up the heart’s rhythm using electrodes placed on the chest. ECG can be performed at a healthcare provider’s office or in a hospital.
However, an ECG is just a snapshot of the heart’s rhythm, and since AFib can come and go, a single ECG may not capture the abnormal rhythm. In this case, longer forms of monitoring are needed. A healthcare provider might order a patch monitor, a Holter monitor, or place an implantable loop recorder, which are all forms ofambulatory rhythm monitoringthat can monitor the heart over longer periods of time.
Treatment of AFib can involve staying out of AFib (rhythm control), or controlling the heart rate (rate control). Both approaches also require attention to reduce the risk of stroke.
Rhythm Control in AFib
AFib can come and go (paroxysmal AFib) or be constant (persistent or permanent AFib). When a cardiologist determines that the best course of action is to stay out of AFib with rhythym contro, whether because of symptoms or complications like heart failure, a rhythm control strategy can include the following:
Heart Control in Afib With RVR
AFib with RVR can be a medical emergency, and in this case,electrical cardioversionand intravenous medications can be given to rapidly control heart rate and rhythm.
In a non-emergency setting, staying in AFib while managing heart rates may be appropriate. In this case, oral medications to keep the heart rate in an acceptable range can be prescribed, including:
In some cases, antiarrhythmic medications that have a rate-slowing effect, such asamiodaroneordigoxinmay be used to help control heartrate.
Stroke Prevention in AFib
One serious complication of Afib isstroke. AFib is estimated to be the cause of 1 in 4 strokes in people over the age of 80.Stroke can be life-threatening and disabling, and increase the risk of dementia.
Stroke risk in AFib is higher when certain other conditions are present, likediabetes, heart failure, hypertension, increased age, and vascular disease.Your healthcare provider can discuss your risk of stroke and make recommendations on a treatment plan that includes taking ablood thinnerto help lower your risk.
AFib with RVR can cause a range of symptoms, but there are many treatment options available. Some people may only require controlling heart rate for symptom management. Or you may need a rhythm control strategy to help keep heart rhythm normal and allow you to continue exercise and activities without limitations.
Controlling other heart disease and AFib risk factors is also beneficial and includes:
Summary
AFib with RVR is a serious condition that can cause various symptoms and increase the risk of stroke and heart failure. While many people have undiagnosed AFib, it can be easily diagnosed with noninvasive heart rhythm monitoring. Treatment includes controlling heart rate, making certain lifestyle changes, and taking medication.
Frequently Asked QuestionsA normal heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm).AFib with RVR is when atrial fibrillation causes a heart rate over 100 bpm. However, in Afib with RVR, heart rates can go much higher, leading to inefficient cardiac output and symptoms.In people who are being managed with a heart rate control strategy, studies have shown that a lenient heart rate control of fewer than 110 beats per minute (bpm) is safe when compared to strict heart rate control, particularly in people with minimal symptoms and no heart failure. A stricter heart rate control strategy may be preferred in those with symptoms or heart failure.Medications like beta blockers and calcium channel blockers keep heart rate in the goal range.Learn MoreAFib OverviewThis depends on whether you have symptoms or not. A brief bout of RVR, especially when related to physical activity, is not necessarily going to cause problems. However, if you develop RVR and have symptoms, like chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting, it’s time to seek medical attention right away. Chronically elevated heart rates in AFib can lead to heart failure.
A normal heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm).AFib with RVR is when atrial fibrillation causes a heart rate over 100 bpm. However, in Afib with RVR, heart rates can go much higher, leading to inefficient cardiac output and symptoms.
In people who are being managed with a heart rate control strategy, studies have shown that a lenient heart rate control of fewer than 110 beats per minute (bpm) is safe when compared to strict heart rate control, particularly in people with minimal symptoms and no heart failure. A stricter heart rate control strategy may be preferred in those with symptoms or heart failure.Medications like beta blockers and calcium channel blockers keep heart rate in the goal range.Learn MoreAFib Overview
In people who are being managed with a heart rate control strategy, studies have shown that a lenient heart rate control of fewer than 110 beats per minute (bpm) is safe when compared to strict heart rate control, particularly in people with minimal symptoms and no heart failure. A stricter heart rate control strategy may be preferred in those with symptoms or heart failure.Medications like beta blockers and calcium channel blockers keep heart rate in the goal range.
Learn MoreAFib Overview
This depends on whether you have symptoms or not. A brief bout of RVR, especially when related to physical activity, is not necessarily going to cause problems. However, if you develop RVR and have symptoms, like chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting, it’s time to seek medical attention right away. Chronically elevated heart rates in AFib can lead to heart failure.
11 Sources
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