What Does AFib With Rapid Ventricular Response (RVR) Feel Like?

Understanding AFib With Rapid Ventricular Response (RVR)

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) with Rapid Ventricular Response (RVR) is a condition where the heart experiences irregular and often rapid heartbeats. This can lead to a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

What Does AFib With RVR Feel Like?

Individuals experiencing AFib with RVR often report a sensation of their heart racing or pounding in their chest. This is due to the rapid ventricular rates, which are typically over 110 beats per minute. The condition can cause feelings of palpitations, where the heart feels like it is fluttering or skipping beats. These sensations can be alarming and uncomfortable, leading to anxiety and distress.

Physical Symptoms

In addition to the sensation of a racing heart, people with AFib with RVR may experience shortness of breath, dizziness, or lightheadedness. These symptoms occur because the heart is not pumping blood as efficiently as it should, which can lead to reduced oxygen delivery to the body. Some individuals may also feel fatigued or weak, as the heart’s inefficiency can make physical exertion more challenging.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

The symptoms of AFib with RVR can also have a significant emotional and psychological impact. The sudden onset of symptoms can be frightening, leading to increased anxiety and stress. The unpredictability of episodes can cause individuals to feel a lack of control over their health, which can contribute to ongoing anxiety and even depression.

Treatment and Management

Management of AFib with RVR often involves medications to control the heart rate and rhythm. Etripamil, a fast-acting calcium-channel blocker administered intranasally, has shown promise in reducing ventricular rates and improving symptom relief. In a study, etripamil was effective in reducing the ventricular rate within 60 minutes of treatment, with significant improvements in patient satisfaction regarding symptom relief and treatment effectiveness1. This suggests that etripamil could be a valuable option for managing AFib with RVR, providing rapid relief from the distressing symptoms associated with the condition.

Conclusion

AFib with RVR can be a distressing condition characterized by rapid and irregular heartbeats, leading to physical and emotional symptoms. Effective management, such as the use of etripamil, can help alleviate these symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected. Understanding the sensations and impacts of AFib with RVR is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers in managing this condition effectively.

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider.