Millions of people worldwide suffer from atrial fibrillation (AFib), a serious and common heart condition. In this blog post, we'll discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of AFib. It is characterized by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat that increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications.
Causes of AFib
The upper chambers (atria) of the heart (fib) quiver or fibrillate instead of contracting normally when the electrical signals controlling the heartbeat become chaotic and disorganized. Consequently, the heart rhythm becomes irregular as a result of impaired blood flow from the atria to the lower chambers (ventricles).
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing AFib, including:
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AFib risk increases with age, especially after 60.
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There are several conditions that can trigger or worsen AFib, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, heart attack, or heart failure.
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AFib can also be caused by conditions affecting the metabolism or lungs, such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma.
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AFib can be caused by lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol excessively, being overweight or obese, or not exercising.
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Parents or relatives may pass on a tendency to develop AFib to their children.
Symptoms of AFib
Some people with AFib experience no symptoms and discover their condition only during a routine check-up or test for another reason. Others may exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:
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In palpitations, your heart beats fast, irregularly, or forcefully.
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A feeling of pressure, tightness, or squeezing in your chest may indicate a lack of blood flow to your heart muscle, which could radiate to your arms, neck, jaw, or back.
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A feeling of not being able to breathe enough air can occur at rest or while exerting yourself.
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Tiredness or weakness that affects your daily activities is fatigue.
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Low blood pressure or reduced blood flow to the brain can cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
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There is a state of mental confusion or impairment caused by reduced blood flow to the brain that affects your memory, attention, and judgment.
Diagnosis of AFib
AFib can be diagnosed by your doctor by asking about your medical history, family history, symptoms, and triggers. Your doctor will also perform a physical examination and listen to your heart sounds and pulse. Several tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity and cause of your condition.
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A electrocardiogram (ECG) measures and detects irregularities and rapidities in your heartbeat using electrodes attached to your chest and limbs.
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This portable device records your heart rhythm continuously for 24 hours or longer using electrodes attached to your chest. It helps to detect AFib episodes that may occur intermittently or without symptoms.
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This device records your heart rhythm when you activate it by pressing a button when you feel symptoms, allowing you to correlate your symptoms with your heart rhythm.
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An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create images of your heart's structure and function. It helps determine the heart's size, shape, and movement.
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This test measures the levels of thyroid hormones, electrolytes, blood count, kidney function, and clotting factors in your blood that may indicate an underlying cause or complication of AFib.
Treatment of AFib
There are various treatment options for AFib, depending on your symptoms, general health, and preferences. They include:
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Medicines such as antiarrhythmics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, digoxin, anticoagulants, and antiplatelets can help regulate your heart rhythm, slow down your heart rate, or prevent blood clots from forming in your atria.
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The electrical cardioversion procedure uses an electric shock to reset the heart rhythm. It is usually done under sedation or anesthesia and requires a short hospital stay.
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It involves inserting a thin tube (catheter) into a vein in the groin and guiding it to the heart to destroy abnormal tissue or pathways that cause or sustain AFib.
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A pacemaker is a small device implanted under your skin near your collarbone. It sends electrical impulses to your heart to regulate your heart rate.
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Surgical intervention can be used for people who have severe or persistent AFib that does not respond to other treatments. It involves making small incisions or scars in the atria to block the abnormal electrical signals. It may also involve replacing a damaged heart valve.
Prevention of AFib
You can reduce your risk of developing or worsening AFib by following certain lifestyle measures and managing your medical conditions, such as:
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Consuming a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat, salt, and added sugar, and high in fiber, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
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Engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
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Avoiding secondhand smoke and quitting smoking.
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Drinking no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
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Losing weight if you are overweight or obese or maintaining a healthy weight.
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Stress management and relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
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Medications and lifestyle changes can help you control your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and thyroid levels.
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Follow up with your doctor regularly and take your medications as prescribed.
Conclusion
AFib is a common and serious heart condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes an irregular and often rapid heartbeat, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications. Your doctor can diagnose AFib based on your medical history, family history, symptoms, and triggers. Your doctor may also order some tests to confirm your diagnosis and assess the severity and cause of your condition. AFib can be treated with a variety of options, including medications, electrical cardioversion, catheter ablation, pacemakers, and surgery, which aim to restore and maintain a normal heart rhythm, control the heart rate, and prevent strokes and other complications. AFib can also be prevented or reduced by following a few lifestyle measures and managing your medical conditions. AFib is a chronic condition requiring ongoing care and monitoring. AFib patients can live longer and healthier lives with proper treatment and prevention.
