Atrial Fibrillation (Afib): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The electrical system of the heart is unique. A healthy heart pumps blood at a constant rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute due to regular electrical impulses. When your heart beats regularly, it can effectively circulate blood.

Unsteady or fluttering heartbeats characterize atrial fibrillation (Afib). This is an irregular heart rhythm called an arrhythmia. Afib can lead to bloots in the heart and heighten the chances of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related problems.od cl

This article examines how Afib impacts the heart. It explains the symptoms people might have and what problems could happen. It also talks about ways to treat Afib. Let's have a look.

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Understanding what atrial fibrillation (AFib) is can help you spot the symptoms and get medical help faster. AFib is a type of fast and irregular heartbeat. About 3% of people in Western countries aged 20 or older have it.

So, what exactly happens in AFib?

In a normal heartbeat, the top part of your heart (the atria) squeezes first. What follows is the bottom part (the ventricles). This timing helps move blood through your heart.

In a regular heartbeat, the atria (upper chambers of your heart) contract first, followed by the ventricles (lower chambers). This sequence ensures smooth blood flow through your heart.

In AFib, the electrical signals that regulate your heartbeat become disorganized. This makes the atria beat out of sync with the ventricles. Sometimes, AFib lasts only a short time but keeps coming back. Other times, it stays for good. This is called chronic AFib.

This condition causes around 158,000 deaths every year. The number of people dying from AFib, either as the main cause or a contributing factor, has been going up for over 20 years.

Types of Afib

Below are the various types of atrial fibrillation:

• Paroxysmal Afib: Atrial fibrillation can start suddenly but usually stops within a week. It can be with or without treatment. It might come back a few times a year or even every day.

• Persistent Afib: This kind of Afib lasts more than a week. Unlike the sort that comes and goes, it may necessitate a procedure known as cardioversion, which uses electric shocks to help the heart beat normally again.

• Permanent (chronic) Afib: This is when you always feel the symptoms and are usually getting treatment.

• Long-standing persistent Afib: This kind of AFib lasts more than 12 months and is a bit more resistant to treatment.

Atrial fibrillation is not life-threatening, but it can create blood clots in the heart that may cause a stroke. A person who has atrial fibrillation can easily get a stroke.

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation symptoms can vary widely. Some people experience noticeable symptoms, while others do not. The American Heart Association (AHA) says that the most common symptom is a fluttering heart. Other possible symptoms include:

• Palpitations (feeling like the heart is fluttering or racing)

• General fatigue (feeling unusually tired or weak, even with minimal physical activity)

• Shortness of breath (finding it hard to breathe, especially during physical exertion or when lying down)

• Dizziness (feeling lightheaded or faint)

• Chest pain (this is more serious and requires immediate medical attention, as it may indicate a heart attack)

• Confusion (especially in older adults)

Doctors advise anyone with these symptoms to record their frequency and severity. This applies regardless of an Afib diagnosis. By providing this information to a medical professional, they will advise you on the most appropriate and efficient course of action.

Causes of Atrial Fibrillation

AFib is more common in people who have other heart and vascular conditions. Among people who have AFib, 1 in 5 also have hypertension (high blood pressure). Other heart conditions that can lead to AFib include:

• Heart failure

• Heart attack

• Heart valve disease

• Congenital heart conditions

There are also several non-cardiac risk factors for AFib, including:

• Advanced age

• Family history

• Thyroid issues

• Lung disease

• Obstructive sleep apnea

• Diabetes mellitus

• Obesity

• Chronic kidney disease

• Infections/viral illnesses

• Certain medications

Our behaviors can also put us at risk for AFib. Lifestyle habits that can lead to AFib include:

• Consuming caffeine

• Drinking alcohol

• Smoking and vaping

• Using illegal drugs (especially cocaine and amphetamines)

Diagnosing Atrial Fibrillation

Knowing you have atrial fibrillation isn't always obvious. The symptoms aren't always apparent, making it hard to identify. The problem may be discovered during a routine health examination for other reasons.

Diagnosing Afib requires the doctor to perform some tests and ask you about your medical history and symptoms. The tests are performed to check the cause of the irregular heartbeats. Some of the tests that can diagnose Afib are as follows:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): A common test for diagnosing Afib. It assesses the electrical impulses of the heart and identifies any abnormalities.

• Holter Monitor: This device captures the heartbeat over a whole day or two as you go about your daily duties.

• Event Monitor: This gadget records for a short while at specific times, typically over a month. You press a button when you feel symptoms, and some devices can record automatically if they detect an irregular heartbeat.

• Echocardiogram: An ultrasound scan that uses sound waves to create images of your heart, helping medical professionals observe blood flow through your heart's valves.

• Blood Tests: These tests can identify health problems, such as thyroid issues, that might cause Afib.

Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation

Your healthcare providers will help you make a treatment plan tailored to your health, symptoms, and preferences. Some individuals without symptoms may not require much care. Common forms of treatment include:

• Medications: These can manage Afib and include:

  • Anticoagulants to reduce stroke risk

  • Beta-blockers, digoxin, and calcium channel blockers to slow the heart rate

  • Antiarrhythmic medications to prevent AFib

  • Drugs for underlying conditions, such as ACE inhibitors for heart failure

• Cardioversion: This therapy restores a normal heart rhythm and can be done in two ways:

  • Electrical Cardioversion: A controlled electric shock is delivered to the heart.

  • Pharmacological Cardioversion: Medications are used to restore a normal rhythm.

• Catheter Ablation: For stubborn cases of AFib, this procedure creates small scars in the heart using heat or cold to correct irregular heartbeats.

• Surgery: Involves creating scar tissue in the heart to block abnormal signals and prevent AFib.

• Lifestyle Changes: Healthy changes can help manage Afib and improve heart health, such as:

  • Eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins

  • Regular exercise

  • Avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking, and managing stress

Living with Atrial Fibrillation

Living with Afib can be challenging, but many people lead normal, active lives with proper management. Here are some tips:

• Follow Your Treatment Plan: Adhering to medications and treatments is crucial. Regular checkups with your healthcare provider are necessary to monitor your condition.

• Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of symptoms and share them with your doctor to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

• Stay Active: Establish a routine of daily exercise, but consult your doctor before starting.

• Manage Stress: Reduce and manage stress through techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises.

• Learn About Afib: Understanding Afib and its effects can help you make informed health choices.

• Find a Support Group: Talking to others with Afib can provide support and helpful tips.

When to Seek Medical Help

While Afib can often be managed with treatment, immediate medical help is necessary in some cases:

• Chest Pain: This might indicate a heart attack and requires immediate attention.

• Severe Shortness of Breath: Trouble breathing, especially if it starts quickly or worsens significantly.

• Fainting or Near-Fainting: Can indicate a severe problem.

• Stroke Symptoms: Sudden numbness or weakness, trouble talking, or a severe headache requires emergency help
  

  
  

Atrial fibrillation is a frequent but serious heart problem. Understanding its causes, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing the available treatments is crucial. If you suspect you have Afib, visit a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. With appropriate care, you can continue to live a healthy and active life.

For those seeking to monitor their heart health, OMRON offers advanced ECG devices that provide accurate and reliable measurements. These devices can help detect irregular heart rhythms early, enabling timely medical intervention.