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Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart condition that causes irregular and sometimes rapid heartbeat. This common heart rhythm disorder brings with it a range of symptoms, from palpitations to fatigue, and poses significant health risks, including the potential for stroke.
What Is Atrial Fibrillation (Afib)?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart condition where the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat irregularly instead of in a coordinated manner. This irregular heartbeat can cause symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. AFib can also lead to more serious issues like an increased risk of stroke and heart failure. It’s important to understand and manage AFib to keep the heart functioning as it should.
What Are The Symptoms Of Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) can manifest with various symptoms, which may include:
- Feeling a rapid, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat.
- Experiencing tiredness or lack of energy
- Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or exertion
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Chest pain or discomfort
Some people with AFib may not experience noticeable symptoms, making regular medical check-ups and heart monitoring crucial for early detection and management. Additionally, AFib is associated with an increased risk of stroke, emphasising the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention.
What Are The Risk Factors For Developing Atrial Fibrillation?
Several factors can contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Common risk factors include:
- Advancing age particularly beyond 60 years.
- Heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or valvular heart disease
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sleep apnea
- Family history
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Chronic lung Diseases
- Thyroid disorders
- Prior heart surgery
- Stimulants like caffeine or certain medications
How Is Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of atrial fibrillation is confirmed by performing an electrocardiogram (ECG). Sometimes an ambulatory ECG may be performed to detect atrial fibrillation when it is intermittent or performed to monitor how well treatment is working. If the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation is confirmed, an echocardiogram is performed to assess for any underlying abnormalities in the structure or function of the heart. Additional blood tests are performed to check for causes of atrial fibrillation.
What Complications Can Arise From Atrial Fibrillation?
Without treatment patients with atrial fibrillation will have an elevated risk of stroke. Stasis of blood in the upper chambers of the heart can lead to blood clot formation, and if this travels out of the heart to the brain a stroke will occur. Blood clots may also travel other organs of the body and can cause further complications.
If the heart is pumping in an irregular and rapid fashion for a prolonged period of time, the chambers of the heart can enlarge and the heart muscles can weaken which can lead to heart failure.
How Is Atrial Fibrillation Treated?
Treating atrial fibrillation involves controlling the heart rate with medications, restoring normal rhythm through drugs or procedures like cardioversion, and reducing stroke risk with blood-thinning medications. Catheter ablation or implantable devices like pacemakers of left atrial appendage closure devices may be recommended. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, managing underlying conditions, and continuous monitoring are crucial aspects of treatment.
