Atrial fibrillation, or AFIb, is characterised by an erratic and frequently fast heartbeat. An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. Heart blood clots can result from AFib. In addition, the illness raises the risk of heart failure, stroke, and other heart-related issues.
The heart’s upper chambers, known as the atria, beat erratically and chaotically when atrial fibrillation occurs. They do not beat in time with the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart. Many people may experience AFib without any symptoms. AFib, however, can result in dizziness, dyspnea, or a rapid, pounding heartbeat.
Atrial fibrillation episodes can be intermittent or persistent. Typically, afib is not a life-threatening condition. However, it’s a dangerous medical condition that requires appropriate care in order to avoid stroke.
Medication, therapy to shock the heart back into a regular rhythm, and procedures to block malfunctioning heart signals are some of the treatments available for atrial fibrillation.
An individual with atrial fibrillation may also experience atrial flutter, a related cardiac rhythm issue. Treatments for atrial flutter and AFib are comparable.
Symptoms
AFib symptoms can include:
- palpitations are sensations similar to a rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat.
- pain in the chest.
- lightheadedness.
- weary.
- dizziness.
- decreased capacity for physical activity.
- breathing difficulty.
- weakness.
Afib (atrial fibrillation) patients sometimes experience no symptoms at all.
Causes
Understanding the normal heartbeat may help to better understand the causes of atrial fibrillation (AFib).
- Four chambers make up the heart:
- The atria are the two upper chambers.
- The ventricles are the two lower chambers.
The sinus node is a collection of cells located inside the upper chamber of the right heart. The signals that initiate each heartbeat are produced by the sinus node.
The signals travel through the upper chambers of the heart. Subsequently, the signals reach the AV node, a collection of cells, where they typically slow down. The lower heart chambers receive the signals after that.
This signalling process usually proceeds without a hitch in a healthy heart. Usually, the heart rate at rest ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute.
However, the signals in the heart’s upper chambers are disorganised when atrial fibrillation occurs. The upper chambers tremble or shake as a result. Signals attempting to reach the lower heart chambers flood the AV node. This results in an erratic and rapid heartbeat.
The heart rate in individuals with AFib can vary from 100 to 175 beats per minute.
Atrial fibrillation causes
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is most commonly caused by structural issues with the heart.
Heart conditions and other issues that can result in AFib include:
- an underlying cardiac condition known as a congenital heart defect.
- sick sinus syndrome, an issue with the heart’s natural pacemaker.
- an illness known as obstructive sleep apnea.
- heart attack.
- heart valve dysfunction.
- elevated blood pressure.
- lung conditions, such as pneumonia.
- coronary artery disease is characterised by narrowed or blocked arteries.
- thyroid conditions like hyperthyroidism.
- viral infections.
AFib can also be brought on by heart surgery or stress brought on by illness or surgery. There are some atrial fibrillation sufferers who do not have any established heart conditions.
Some lifestyle choices that may set off an episode of AFib include:
- overindulging in caffeine or alcohol.
- drug usage that is prohibited.
- using or smoking tobacco.
- using stimulant-containing medications, such as over-the-counter cold and allergy remedies.
Prevention
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can lower the chance of developing heart disease and potentially stop atrial fibrillation (AFib). These are some general heart-healthy guidelines:
- Manage diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
- Don’t use tobacco or smoke.
- Consume a diet low in saturated fat and salt.
- Unless your healthcare team advises otherwise, try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
- Obtain restful sleep. Aim for 7 to 9 hours a day, adults.
- Sustain a healthy weight.
- Decrease and control your stress.
