Atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heart rhythm that can cause blood clots in the heart. It can also increase the risk of stroke and heart failure. Atrial fibrillation occurs when the upper chambers of the heart begin to beat chaotically. It can also cause a fast and irregular heartbeat.
AFib is a type of irregular heartbeat that can appear unexpectedly. It can also get worse. and require medical intervention. Having this condition can be very dangerous. The treatment for atrial fibrillation includes medications and procedures that are designed to improve the heart's rhythm. Treatment can also include the use of catheters to prevent the flow of blood to the heart from faulty chambers.
A person with atrial fibrillation may not feel they have any symptoms. However, those with atrial fibrillation may still have some signs and symptoms to look for.
•Chest pain
•Fluttering or pounding heartbeat
•Fatigue
•Dizziness
•Weakness
•Shortness of breath
•Lightheadedness
•Trouble exercising
With occasional atrial fibrillation, symptoms come and go, usually for a few minutes to hours at a time. They can last for a week or more. Some people can tolerate them on their own. Some people who have occasional AFib symptoms will need treatment.
Persistent atrial fibrillation doesn't return to its normal rhythm after treatment. This condition can be treated using a variety of methods to restore and maintain a healthy heart rhythm.
This is a type of atrial fibrillation that will continue for more than one year.
Atrial fibrillation can't be treated. It can only be controlled through medications. The treatment is to help prevent blood clots and control your heart rate.
If you believe you have symptoms common with atrial fibrillation, it is important to set up an appointment with your doctor's office. If you are having chest pain, get medical attention immediately. Chest pain could be due to a heart attack.
To understand the causes of AFib, it is important to comprehend how the heartbeats. The heart has four chambers. The upper right chamber is where the sinus node is located. This is your heart's natural pacemaker and tells your heart when to beat.
When you have a normal heart rhythm, the signal from your sinus node goes through the upper chambers of the heart. It then sends blood to the lower body and the heart. The goal is to squeeze the blood to push the heart.
In atrial fibrillation, the signals originating from the upper chambers of the heart become chaotic. This causes the lower chambers to vibrate, and the node is then given too many signals at once. When this happens, the lower heart chambers start to create an irregular, fast heartbeat. For people with AFib, the heart rate may range between 100 and 175 beats per minute. The normal range is around 60 and 100 beats per minute.
In most cases, atrial fibrillation is caused by problems with your heart's structure. Some causes of AFib include:
•Heart valve problems
•Heart attack
•Heart defects from birth
•Coronary artery disease
•Lung diseases
•High blood pressure
•Sleep apnea
•Physical stress due to pneumonia, surgery, or other illnesses
•Previous heart surgery
•Thyroid diseases and metabolic imbalances
•Viral infections
•Use of stimulants, including caffeine, medications, alcohol, and tobacco
•Unknown causes can lead to atrial fibrillation
Many things can increase a person's likelihood of having atrial fibrillation. Some risk factors include:
•Age- As you age, you become more likely to develop AFib.
•Heart disease- When you suffer from heart diseases such as congenital heart disease, heart valve problems, congestive heart failure, or coronary artery disease, you are more likely to have AFib.
•High blood pressure- Blood pressure not controlled through diet, exercise or medication can lead to the risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
•Thyroid disease- In some cases, thyroid issues can trigger heart rhythm issues.
•Drinking alcohol- For some, drinking too much alcohol can trigger AFib.
•Obesity
•Other chronic health problems
•Family history
One of the most dangerous complications of AFib is a blood clot that can lead to having a stroke. A chaotic rhythm in the heart can lead to blood clots forming in the upper chambers of the heart. If this happens, a blood vessel can rupture and cause a stroke. Other health conditions can also increase your risk of stroke due to AFib.
To reduce the risk of heart disease and atrial fibrillation, there are many steps people can take. Some basic tips to stay heart-healthy include:
•Getting regular exercise
•Maintaining a healthy weight
•Eating a well-balanced diet
•Refrain from smoking
•Limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption
•Manage stress levels (high levels of anger and stress can lead to heart problems)
Author: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice regarding health or finances. It is not intended to endorse any individual or company. This article is AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should consult a qualified professional for personal advice.