Atrial Fibrillation and Asthma

Question: Discuss about theAtrial Fibrillation and Asthma. Answer: Introduction There have been several cases of patients initially diagnosed with asthma developing atrial fibrillation disease. However, the connection between the two conditions has not been established. The two conditions have however posed risks of other cardiac infections on the patients. Medical practitioners have however tried to link the two in relation to other individual characteristics of the patients. This paper explores the pathophysiology, care and treatment of the atrial fibrillation condition of Mr. Jones. Cardiprin consists of aspirin and glycine. DeMarco, et al (2014) explains that aspirin is considered the active component of this drug. The generic name of aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid (ASA).it belongs to a group of drugs known as analgesics, antipyretics, anti-inflammatories and platelet aggregation inhibitors. The mechanism of action is associated with the inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzyme (COX-1), which is the main enzyme involved in the metabolism of arachidonic, a precursor in the prostaglandins synthesis. Prostaglandins are important mediators in the pathogenesis of inflammation, fever, and pain. The platelet aggregation inhibition is achieved by the suppression of thromboxane A2. Thromboxane is produced in the same pathway as prostaglandins. Thromboxane A2 is responsible for platelet aggregation, and consequent coagulation. Mr. Jones has been diagnosed with atrial fibrillations. In this condition, an individual experiences a very fast heart rate. Prystowsky, Padanilam, and Fogel, (2015) explains that in pathological conditions where there is coagulation due to thrombosis in the blood vessels, the heart is overworked in an attempt to pump blood. Platelet aggregation leads to the formation of clots within the blood stream which clogs the blood vessels and consequently increases the heart rate which precipitates into arrhythmia. Hypertension he has may be as a result of the high resistance in peripheral vessels resulting from platelet aggregation. This medication is fashioned to reduce the fibrillation and hypertension. Additionally, it reduces the risk of myocardial infarction. Although it is important as a drug of choice, it has some side effects which should be considered in the course of treatment. There may be some effects in the gastrointestinaltract. Itmay cause vomiting, epigastric pain, and diarrhea. Most importantly it may cause corrosion and ulceration in the gastrointestinal tract. A prolonged use of the drug is associated with dizziness, headaches, and tinnitus. It is sometimes associated with allergic reactions such as skin rash, bronchospasm, and aspirin triad. Bronchospasm may he severe due to asthma hehas. Asa nurse care should be taken to ensure that Mr. Jones is not having portal hypertension, vitamin K deficiency or glucose 6 phosphate deficiencies. These conditions are contraindicated with aspirin administration (Chan,et al 2014). Pathophysiology of Atrial Fibrillation Atrial fibrillation is an unusually a very rapid heart rate. Atrial fibrillation happens when the upper assemblies of the heart, or atria, fibrillate. This implies they beat quickly and sporadically. Blood is not pumped productively to whatever is left of the body which may make you feel feeble or tired, or to encounter awkward heart sensations like a hustling or unpredictable pulse. Millar, et al (2016) in an attempt to describe the causes and symptoms of this condition, it is important to point out that people have theorized the disease to be having a genetic cause. Scientists argue that from the 29 genes associated with asthma, one is likely to cause AF. It has however remained difficult to establish the main cause since it also affects people who dont have asthma as well. Major symptoms include heart palpitations, exhaustion, and shortness of breath The diagnosis and treatment of AF may be done through several mechanisms such as; electrocardiogram, holter monitor, event recorder, stress test and use of long term monitoring devices. Mechanisms involved in the treatment of AF include; control and monitoring of the heart rate, anticoagulation therapies and cardioversion which involves delivering an electric shock. Implantation of defibrillators and surgery is important for certain stages of the infection like that of Mr. Jones. In conclusion, there are several risk factors that are likely to make the condition worsen in individuals who are suffering from AF. These include; high cholesterol in the blood, hypertension which Mr. Jones is currently suffering from, obesity, drug and substance abuse, some medications and lack of exercise. Treating atrial fibrillation is very important in the sense that individuals suffering from this condition are likely to suffer a stroke and myocardial infarction. The reason why this drug was administered to Mr. Jones is because it is used to treat frequently occurring ventricular fibrillation in patients which is related to Mr. Jones. This medicine can be administered for very long periods if needed (Lund, L. H. 2016)The reason behind its support is because it is mostly used to heal very serious illness and long term one ones. It is used to patients of high risk of cardiac deaths(Lochnan, H. A. 2014). Taking the health conditions of Jones, it is a long term illness the causes coming from the parents hence this drug effective at this point. Reddel, et al (2017) one of its benefit is that it is used to cure patients who used other medicines that didnt work at all. As soon as it is administered it starts working right away(Ciesek, S. 2014). The medicine is in solution and can be given orally.This medicine has its own side effects like the other medicines. This side effects include fever, Nausea and Hypertension (Chen, 2015). The other effects related to this is serious heart arrest, heart failure, also abnormality in liver functions, kidney failure, diarrhea and many more. Certain precautions should be made by the nurse in charge. One precaution is to clearly follow the dosage because failure to follow can cause effects like dizziness and fainting (Mc Adam, 2016). The doctor or nurse should be in direct contact with the patient because as this medicine is in use there are many symptoms that come with it and if they become more the patient Mr. Jones should see the nurse directly with immediate effect. January, et al (2014) explains that dabigatran and warfarin are anticoagulation agents. Anticoagulation agents work through three mechanisms they include: fibrinolytic agent, anticoagulation agents, and antiplatelet agents. Fibrinolytic agents work by degrading fibrin, an important protein in the coagulation process. It works by eliminating the clot. Anticoagulants inhibit clot formation thereby preventing progression of thrombosis. Antiplatelet drugs interfere with platelets adhesion or aggregation. This prevents the initial clot formation. Warfarin acts by inhibiting vitamin K synthesis. This leads to the inhibition of vitamin k dependent clotting factors. The anticoagulation effect occurs within twenty-four hours after administration of warfarin. The peak coagulation effect may be attained in twenty-fourhours. Ithas a very high protein binding hence very long halflife. Ithas a terminal half-life of one week. Its elimination depends on metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver. There is very little eliminated in the urine Dabigatran acts by inhibiting thrombin. Thrombin is involved in the conversion of fibrin to fibrinogen. This prevents a development of athrombus. Itis an orally administered drug with the same efficacy almost the same as warfarin. Contrary to warfarin a correct dose does not need to be determined for each individual. And it does not need to be changed from time to time. Warfarin requires blood tests to be made frequently in order to change the doses as it happens. Dabigatran is mainly eliminated ion the kidneys. A kidney disease is likely to cause intoxication due to accumulation (Alonso,et al 2015) I would advise Mr. Jones to consider warfarin. Dabigatran is equally potent as warfarin and more advantageous as it does not require constant testing of the blood. However, Care should be taken since it is no possible to monitor its effect and its effects cannot be reversed as easily as warfarin. Bleeding disorders can be reversed in warfarin administration by administering vitamin K. Dabigatran also requires an acid medium for absorption. Aspirin which is also administered reduces acidity and thus may reduce its bioavailability and consequently the potency. Warfarin would be the best drug ofchoice. Itshould be ensured that he does not have a liver disease. According to Valdes and Lochnan, (2014) salbutamol inhaler is a drug prescribed for asthmatic patients. It is commonly referred to as a bronchodilator medicine since its mode of action is to relieve and to dilate the airways. This serves to helm asthmatic patients like Mr. Jones whose air passages constrict. The inhaler takes a few minutes and its effect lasts for several hours. The salbutamol inhaler is designed to relieve breathlessness. It however does not prevent breathlessness. Agarwal, et al (2016) salbutamol inhaler may cause challenges to Mr. Jones due to the fact that he has an irregular heartbeart, he is also likely to suffer from allergic reactions due to the use of dabigatrin and cardiprin. He is also having hypertension which may predispose him to other adverse effects. Jones ought to press the inhaler and breathe in the spray that is elicited. He is supposed to breath into the salbutamol inhaler about 3-5 times and then wait for a few minutes. If the inhaler does not work within minutes, he is supposed to seek help from a medical officer. Jones is also supposed to carry his inhaler every place where he goes to. It is highly recommended of him that he avoids smoking and associated behavior since it increases the risks of adverse effects. Some of the major side effects include headaches, shivering, nervous tension and muscle cramps especially since he has heart conditions. if the symptoms and side effects persist, he should seek medical attention as soon as possible. He is supposed to store his inhaler in a cool and dry place that is away from direct sunlight. It should however be near him always so that he may access it any time he needs it. If the inhaler does not seem to work properly even after using it for the maximum number of times, he should seek medical attention too. Conclusion In conclusion, it is important to recommend that Jones needs to be advised to avoid the risky behaviors that may predispose him to the infections. These may include behaviors such as drug abuse and lack of exercise. He is also required to visit the doctor regularly as a routine health practice and as a precaution that will prevent further worsening of his condition. References Agarwal, R., Khan, A., Aggarwal, A. N., Gupta, D. (2016). Is the SMART approach better than other treatment approaches for prevention of asthma exacerbations? A meta-analysis.Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease,71(4). Alonso, A., MacLehose, R. F., Lutsey, P. L., Konety, S., Chen, L. Y. (2015). Association of amiodarone use with acute pancreatitis in patients with atrial fibrillation: a nested case-control study.JAMA internal medicine,175(3), 449-450. Chan, W. 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