The Warning Signs of Atrial Fibrillation
It goes without saying that the heart is one of the most essential organs in the human body. Keeping it healthy is imperative to leading a long, full life. Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a condition that triggers the heart to beat both quickly and irregularly. Generally, the condition is not a major concern, but if ignored it can have serious consequences.
Comparable to many diseases, one of the best things you can do to mitigate your risks is to make healthy dietary choices, avoid potentially harmful activities, and exercise regularly. If managed properly, the condition should not produce any serious negative side effects but is something that should be monitored regularly with scheduled visits to your doctor.
Don’t wait to understand Afib until it’s too late. Read on and continue your search online for more information.
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is a problem with the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat. It is characterized by rapid, irregular beating of your atrial chambers. Your heart has four chambers – 2 upper chambers (atria) and 2 lower chambers (ventricles). With atrial fibrillation, these chambers are pumping out of sync. The upper chambers are beating much quicker and more sporadicly than the lower chambers.
Atrial fibrillation may come and go in episodes, or it may develop into a chronic problem. Under usual circumstances, atrial fibrillation is not life threatening and patients can enjoy a healthy life. The condition can worsen if not treated with caution however, producing emergency complications.
Causes and Risk Factors
It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause for why someone develops atrial fibrillation. There are many different potential causes and risk factors that can lead to atrial fibrillation. They include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Coronary artery disease
- Abnormal heart valves
- Heart defects from birth
- Overactive thyroid gland
- Stimulants/depressants like caffeine, medicines, tobacco, and alcohol
- Lung diseases
- Previous heart surgery
- Viral infections
- Stress
- Sleep apnea
- Obesity
- Old age
- European ancestry
- Diabetes
Making healthy lifestyle changes, exercising regularly, and making the right dietary choices will reduce your risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation are usually manageable but can cause discomfort. In severe cases, the condition can require emergency treatment. The signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation include:
- Heart palpitations
- Difficulty exercising
- Lightheaded/dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Feelings of weakness
- Low blood pressure
A serious concern with atrial fibrillation is the potential for blood clots to develop in the atrial chambers and spread to other organs, blocking essential blood flow. Acting early and visiting your doctor when first experiencing any of these symptoms can drastically reduce your risk of further complications.
Treatment Options
One of the most prominent and effective treatments for atrial fibrillation are lifestyle changes that include a better diet and more frequent exercise.
Other treatment options include electrical cardioversion where the heart is shocked back into rhythm; blood thinner medication to reduce the risk of blood clots; medication to control your heart’s rhythm; and surgery to repair the irregular beating.
Many patients with atrial fibrillation lead a regular and healthy life if they keep up with treatment. However, if you don’t treat the condition, it can have deadly complications, sch as heart failure and stroke.
Talk To Your Doctor
Under normal circumstances atrial fibrillation is a non-life-threatening condition. The ailment can usually be managed with healthy lifestyle choices or light medication. That being said, if it is ignored the condition can develop into a serious situation that requires emergency intervention. For more information, consult your physician.