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What is AFib?
Are you aged 65 or older and you find yourself out of breath, even when you haven’t been moving? You may be suffering from atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat.
An AFib Attack
During an AFib attack, the electrical signals that tell your heart to start beating becomes out of order. This malfunction affects two upper chambers of the heart (called atria) and causes them to quiver. It also disrupts the blood flow into the lower chambers of the heart or the ventricles, and causes them to contract faster or beat in an irregular manner. Because of this, the ventricles may not be able to pump blood to the rest of your body as it should.
The trembling in your atria may lead to blood pooling which may further cause blood clots. These blood clots may pump out of the heart, go to the brain and cause blockages which may then lead to a stroke.
What Are the Symptoms of AFib?
- Quivering or fluttering heartbeat
- Irregular heartbeat
- Anxiety
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fainting or confusion
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Weakness
The Causes of AFib
- Common conditions that lead to AFib are:
- Congestive heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disease
- High blood pressure
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Overactive thyroid gland
- Pericarditis (inflammation of the covering of the heart)
- Thyroid disease
- Heart surgery, taking certain medications and binge drinking may also lead to AFib.
What Are the Treatment Options for AFib?
- Medications for heart rate and rhythm
- Blood thinners that can prevent blood clots and thus reduce risk of stroke
- Electrophysiology treatments such as pacemaker placement or ablation
- Lifestyle changes (i.e., consuming a healthier diet and exercising regularly)
How Can You Reduce Your Risk for AFib?
- Consuming a heart-healthy diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Managing your blood pressure
- Managing stress
- Avoiding smoking
- Limiting your alcohol and caffeine intake
If you are experiencing signs or symptoms of AFib, call or find the nearest Saint Francis Cardiology Associates location at https://www.sfmp.com/locations. AFib may come and go, but it may also be permanent and may increase your risk for stroke and blood clots, so please seek care before it even gets worse. Your heart care is our #1 priority.
Sources:
American Heart Association
Centers for Disease Control
Healthline