Atrial Fibrillation Treatment in Singapore
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What is Atrial Fibrillation?
An irregular and frequently speedy heartbeat is known as atrial fibrillation (AFib). The heart's top chambers, known as the atria, beat erratically and chaotically when atrial fibrillation occurs. They don't beat in time with the ventricles, which are the lower heart chambers, leading to an increased risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?
To control symptoms like palpitations and exhaustion, lower the risk of heart failure, and avoid consequences like strokes, atrial fibrillation (AF) must be treated quickly.
Early intervention improves overall quality of life, restores a normal heart rhythm, and helps control the formation of blood clots.
What are the Common Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation?
AFib symptoms might include:
- Palpitations (rapid, fluttering, or hammering heartbeat).
- Chest discomfort.
- Lightheadedness.
- Exhaustion.
- Dizziness.
- Diminished exercise capacity.
- Breathlessness.
- Weakness.
Types of Atrial Fibrillation (Afib)
The duration of Afib episodes determines the classification of atrial fibrillation:
- Paroxysmal Afib: Episodes of paroxysmal afib typically end on their own without medical intervention and last less than a week.
- Persistent Afib: Episodes of persistent afib that continue for over a week usually require specialised care to lower the heart rate or restore sinus rhythm.
- Long-term persistent Afib: Treatment for long-term persistent Afib can be challenging and lasts more than a year.
- Permanent Afib: Long-term Afib that hasn't responded to efforts to break and remain out of Afib is referred to as permanent Afib.
Causes, Risk Factors and Complications of Atrial Fibrillation
Causes
AFib can result from the following heart conditions and health issues:
- A congenital heart defect
- Sick sinus syndrome (an issue with the heart's natural pacemaker)
- Obstructive sleep apnea (sleep disorder).
- Heart attack.
- Heart valve disorders.
- Elevated blood pressure.
- Lung conditions, such as pneumonia.
- Coronary artery disease is characterised by narrowed or blocked arteries.
- Thyroid conditions like hyperactivity.
- Viral infections.
Risk Factors
- Age: As you age, you are more likely to develop AFib.
- Using illegal medications, caffeine, or nicotine: These substances can make your heart beat more quickly.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can alter the heart's electrical signals.
- Variations in the body's mineral levels: The heartbeat is aided by minerals in the blood known as electrolytes.
- Cardiac issues or heart surgery: The risk of AFib is increased by cardiac valve dysfunction, coronary artery disease, and birth defects.
- Elevated blood pressure: The risk of coronary artery disease is increased by high blood pressure.
- Being overweight: Obese people are more likely to experience atrial fibrillation.
- Other chronic medical issues: Diabetes, chronic kidney illness, lung disease, or sleep apnea may increase your risk of developing AFib.
- A few medications: Unusual heartbeats can result from prescription medications and over-the-counter cough and cold remedies.
- Thyroid disease: An overactive thyroid gland might increase the risk of irregular heartbeats.
Complications
Serious health issues can arise from atrial fibrillation. Therefore, it is essential to recognise the warning signals, communicate them to your loved ones, and seek treatment as soon as possible. Some of the complications of atrial fibrillation include the following:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Bleeding in your brain, digestive system or urinary tract
- Heart failure
- Cardiac arrest/fainting
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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation in Singapore
- Recent developments in the treatment of atrial fibrillation in Singapore include the application of Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA), a more accurate and safe method of reversing abnormal cardiac rhythms.
- Furthermore, public education campaigns, such as Pfizer's AF awareness website, aim to enhance patients' and healthcare professionals' understanding of AF and its association with stroke.
Atrial Fibrillation Prevention Tips
Adopting a healthy lifestyle may help prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib) and lower the risk of heart disease. Here are some fundamental heart-healthy guidelines:
- Manage high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes
- Avoid tobacco use and smoking
- Saturated fat and sodium through diet should be low
- Unless your medical team advises otherwise, try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week
- Get enough rest. Seven to nine hours a day is what adults should strive for
- Keep your weight in check
- Manage and lessen stress
Treatment options for Atrial Fibrillation
Catheter ablation: A tiny, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted by a physician into a blood vessel in the heart during a technique known as catheter ablation. The catheter restores a regular heartbeat by blocking abnormal electrical signals and making tiny scars in the heart tissue using sensors and radiofrequency energy.
Pacemaker implantations: A little gadget called a pacemaker is inserted into the chest to help regulate the heartbeat. It helps adjust the heart's rhythm by sending an electrical signal when it detects an irregular heartbeat. If atrial tachycardia cannot be treated with existing methods, a pacemaker may be required.
Cost Start From USD 3000 - USD 10000Explore Options
- Clinical Assessment
- Physical Exam: During a physical examination, a medical professional might listen to your heart and take your pulse to detect an irregular heartbeat.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): An EKG test is a quick and straightforward method to determine whether you have a cardiac condition.
- Blood tests to check your electrolyte levels.
- Stress test: An exercise stress test can help you determine how well your heart works when exerting itself.
- Electrophysiology study (EPS): An electrophysiology investigation, often known as an EP study, examines the electrical activity of your heart.
- Imaging Tests
- Echocardiogram: An ultrasound examination called echocardiography examines the anatomy and physiology of your heart.
- Holter monitor: This portable ECG gadget can be worn daily or longer to record the heart's activity while performing daily tasks.
- Computed tomography (CT): An imaging test called a CT (computed tomography) scan aids medical professionals in identifying illnesses and wounds.
- Chest X-ray: An X-ray of the chest reveals the state of the heart and lungs.
- Other Diagnostic:
- Ambulatory monitors: Devices that can capture your heart's electrical activity over extended periods are called ambulatory electrical monitors.
- Tilt table test: Your body's reaction to standing up after lying down is demonstrated by a tilt table test. It accomplishes this safely with fabric straps that prevent you from falling if your blood pressure drops.
- Cardiac catheterisation: Your doctor inserts a long, thin tube, called a catheter, into a blood vessel in your arm or leg and guides it to your coronary arteries during a cardiac catheterisation.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) rehabilitation options include:
- Programs for Cardiac Rehabilitation: Personalised plans include counselling, education, and exercise to help control AFib and enhance heart health.
- Lifestyle Changes: To reduce AFib triggers, promote weight control, quit smoking, and consume less alcohol.
Medications that may be used for atrial fibrillation include:
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Medicines to control the heart rate and rhythm
- Blood thinners, also called anticoagulants
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Hospitals for Atrial Fibrillation in Singapore
Thomson Medical Centre
Singapore, Singapore
Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Thomson Medical Centre located in Thomson Road, Singapore has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- The bed capacity of Thomson Medical Center (of Thomson Medical Group) is 190.
- Thomson Medical Group has a prominent presence throughout Asia in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
- There is a 24/7 Outpatient Family Clinic.
- TMC also consists of various fertility clinics inclusive of an IVF clinic.
- A cancer center for breast, gynecological as well as colorectal tumors of women.
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
Novena, Singapore
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital located in Novena, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Capacity of 333 beds
- Intensive Care Unit beds
- Endoscopy beds
- Day ward with 20 beds
- 13 Operating Theatres, which includes 1 Neurological operating room, 2 Cardiac operating rooms, 4 Orthopaedic operating rooms, etc.
- High Dependency Unit (HDU)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- 24/7 Accident & Emergency Department
- Maternity ward
- 1 major operating unit with 13 operating rooms inclusive of 1 hybrid theatre
- In-house Pharmacy
- Rooms are categorized as Single Signature Rooms, Junior Suite and Regal Suite
- All patient rooms are equipped with electric safe, LCD, sofa cum bed, wardrobe, radio channels, and much more
Parkway East Hospital
Singapore, Singapore
Parkway East Hospital located in Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Total capacity for 143 beds
- Hospital rooms are available- Single room, 2-bedded room (8), 4-bedded room (2), Deluxe room, and Orchid/Hibiscus Suite
- All rooms are equipped with all ensuite facilities like Free wifi, mini fridge, sofa couch, telephone, in-room safe, TV, etc.
- Maternity wards- Accredited as a baby-friendly hospital under the World Health Organisations Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)
- 1 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with 14 cots
- Intensive Care Unit
- 1 Operation Theatre with 5 Operating rooms
- 1 Nursery with 30 cots
- 1 Parentcraft room
- 24-hour walk-in-clinic (for emergency)
- 24-hour Pharmacy
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Why Choose Singapore for Atrial Fibrillation Treatment?
Here are some reasons to choose Singapore for atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment:
- Advanced medical facilities utilise minimally invasive techniques, such as catheter ablation.
- World-class experts, including highly experienced cardiologists, work in JCI-accredited hospitals.
- It is a cost-effective treatment compared to many other countries.
- International patient services with multilingual support for seamless communication.
- Cutting-edge treatment methods include rhythm control therapies and novel anticoagulant options.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main goals of Afib treatment include:
- Controlling your heart rate
- Getting the heart rhythm back to normal.
- Lowering your chance of suffering a stroke.
Initially, your doctor will likely prescribe medication to determine if it helps alleviate your symptoms.
Treatment may not stop Afib from returning. Atrial fibrillation gets worse and is more difficult to cure as it advances. Medications that have been effective for you in the past might not be so in the future. Although they cannot treat Afib, medical professionals can control its symptoms. Discuss the best action for your management and treatment with your healthcare practitioner.
According to regional studies, atrial fibrillation therapies in Singapore, particularly catheter ablation, have a high success rate of about 79% at one year. The recently developed Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) provides a quicker and safer substitute. These developments enhance treatment outcomes and underscore Singapore's growing commitment to advanced cardiac care.
If you have Afib symptoms, call your doctor right away. If your pulse is weak or irregular, it may indicate atrial fibrillation (Afib). If your Afib isn't advanced, you can feel breathless or weary.
Reducing your risk for Afib involves cutting back on four main risk factors: tobacco use, excessive alcohol use, obesity, and physical inactivity.
Eat heart-healthy meals, engage in cardiovascular activity, limit alcohol consumption, and refrain from using tobacco products and smoking to achieve this goal.
These lifestyle modifications can lead to weight loss, lower blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels, with each beneficial change having a cumulative effect.
The frequency of screening for heart disease or AFib consequences is as follows:
- Patients with a diagnosis of AFib should have follow-ups every three to six months to check their heart rhythm, symptoms, and therapy.
- People at high risk (such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history) should undergo examinations for more thorough monitoring every three months.
- Low-risk or asymptomatic individuals: yearly screenings or as advised by your physician.
- Follow-ups, as advised by your physician, are typically scheduled every six to twelve months after procedures such as surgery or ablation.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions on the frequency of screenings.