Re: Atrial fibrilation

Posted By CCF Cardio MD-SGM on March 29, 1998 at 16:46:53:

In Reply to: Atrial fibrilation posted by Shlomo on March 26, 1998 at 02:22:50:






My mother is 70 years old and was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrilation.
She suffers from high blood pressure for many years.
She experiences arrhythmia mainly when she lies in bed at night.
When the arrhythmia occurs she also experiences excessive urination.
Are these symptoms typical ? Do they indicate anything in addition to
Atrial Fibrilation, or the causing conditions ?
Thank you very much for your help.    



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Dear Shlomo,
Atrial Fibrillation is a common disorder of the heart's rhythm, occurring with increasing frequency
as we age.  Other risk factors for this condition include high blood pressure, which is present in your
mother's case.  Interestingly, onset of atrial fibrillation results in numerous changes to the delicate balance of heart filling.  The efficiency of ventricular (main pumping chamber of the heart) filling is reduced, and a degree of heart failure may ensue, especially in older patients with stiffer hearts that require the contribution to filling that the atria provide.  As a result, there can result a backup of blood, if you will, that may trigger the body's system of volume regulation to increase urine output, and rid itself of the additional volume.  This may manifest as increased urination-- especially while laying down.  Also, atrial fibrillation may increase the production of a hormone called ANP that originates from the atria.  This hormone can also result in increased urine production.  
The fact that your mother experiences the arrhythmia at night may speak to the mechanisms that underlie her atrial fibrillation.  You should discuss this fact with her cardiologist, who may be able to advise her regarding the optimal medical therapy to reduce the frequency of episodes.  
Information in the Heart Forum is for general purposes only.  Specific recommendation and therapies can only be provided by your physician.