Did you know that atrial fibrillation is globally prevalent in over 50 million people and increasing? It causes irregular heartbeat, which increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and even death, especially in older adults. Luckily, with timely detection and treatment, it can be prevented. Learn atrial fibrillation symptoms and treatment options in this article. Get a consultation with the best cardiologists in Brooklyn.
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (also referred to as A-fib or AF) means irregularity in the heart’s electrical impulse cycle. This causes your heart to beat rapidly and erratically, impairing blood flow from your atria to your lower chambers (ventricles).
Three classifications of Atrial Fibrillation
- A-fib that lasts less than a week is called Paroxysmal A-fib, and usually goes away on its own.
- A-fib that persists for more than a week requires medical attention.
- Patients with long-term persistent A-fib may find it difficult to treat.
When A-fib is left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues, like a stroke. You need to be aware of the symptoms and discuss your personal risk factors with your healthcare provider in order to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Causes
Atrial fibrillation is caused by changes or damage to your heart’s tissue and electrical system. These alterations are frequently caused by coronary artery disease or high blood pressure. In many cases, the onset of atrial fibrillation is precipitated by a single rapid heartbeat. There are times, however, when it’s difficult to determine the cause of a sudden heartbeat. For some people, there is no known cause of their condition. A-fib is a condition that frequently runs in families, and new research is constantly shedding light on this fact. You are more likely to develop A-fib if you have a family member who has it.
Can anxiety cause atrial fibrillation?
A-fib has been linked to anxiety by researchers (if you have A-fib, you might worry about your symptoms or quality of life). A-fib has rarely been linked to anxiety in research studies. When it comes to cardiovascular disease and cardiac death, anxiety has been shown to raise your risk by 48%. A-fib can be caused by anxiety disorders, but more research is needed to confirm this link.
Symptoms
A-fib can cause no symptoms in some people. It all depends on the speed of your heartbeat. You probably won’t feel anything if they’re beating at a normal or slightly elevated rate. Symptoms will begin to appear if your heart beats faster than normal.
- Excessive exhaustion.
- The heartbeat may be irregular.
- Anxiety attacks.
- A fluttering sensation in your chest, similar to that of a fish.
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
- Losing consciousness (syncope).
- Breathlessness (dyspnea).
- Pain in the lower abdomen (angina).
- A quivering heartbeat (the most common sign).
- Tiredness.
- The heart beats quickly and irregularly.
- Chest fluttering or thumping.
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
- Exercising can cause exhaustion.
Atrial fibrillation episodes can be brief or long-lasting. A-fib is a serious medical condition that necessitates treatment if the patient wants to avoid a stroke.
It is possible to treat atrial fibrillation with medication, therapy, and catheter procedures to correct the heart’s rhythm.
Those who suffer from atrial fibrillation may also suffer from atrial flutter, a condition that is closely related to atrial fibrillation. Although atrial fibrillation is a different arrhythmia, the treatment is very similar.
Which method of preventing and treating atrial fibrillation is most effective?
Treatment options for atrial fibrillation include:
- Medications
- Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin are some of the medications used to treat atrial fibrillation.
- Anti-arrhythmic drugs.
Resetting the heartbeat with therapy (cardioversion), a catheter, or surgical procedures. Lifestyle changes also play an important role in managing all types of A-fib.
Prevention of A-fib is not completely possible, but having a good lifestyle can significantly lower the risk of atrial fibrillation. It includes maintaining a healthy weight, eating a heart-healthy diet, staying physically active, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol intake, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep all help to lower the risk factors of A-fib.
Need help with atrial fibrillation? Call us on +1 718 367 2555. The Cardiologists at Doral Health & Wellness consistently have outstanding patient satisfaction ratings. The professionals at Doral Health & Wellness Cardiology Brooklyn can improve your health and quality of life because of their vast training and experience. New Yorkers can get the greatest medical, surgical, and cardiovascular care at Doral Health & Wellness Brooklyn. Visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
