What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation means you have a fast-beating heart with erratic rhythm. Atrial fibrillation sufferers may have a heart rate of 100-175 beats per minute. A normal rate is 60-100 beats per minute.
What causes atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is connected to a number of heart problems, including:
- High blood pressure
- Cardiomyopathy
- Coronary artery disease
- Ventricular hypertrophy
- Abnormal heart valves
- Congenital heart defects
Most cases of atrial fibrillation have a clear-cut cause, but in certain rare cases, there isn't a discernible cause.
What are the signs of atrial fibrillation?
The signs of atrial fibrillation can include:
- Heart palpitations
- Chronic fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Dizzy spells
- Breathing problems
- Chest pain
- Disorientation
These symptoms can be sporadic, constant, or semi-regular. Each sufferer is different. In some cases, there aren't any symptoms.
Is atrial fibrillation dangerous?
Atrial fibrillation isn't typically life-threatening on its own, but it can be dangerous because it increases the risk of blood clots in your heart. Blood clots can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening issues because the clots can move to other areas and block blood flow.
Atrial fibrillation can potentially lead to heart failure or stroke if it's not controlled. Therefore, it's best to get atrial fibrillation treatment from a cardiology care expert.
Can I prevent atrial fibrillation?
Yes, in some cases you can actually prevent atrial fibrillation simply by making heart-healthy choices. By lowering your heart disease risk, you're also reducing your atrial fibrillation risk. Your cardiology care provider may recommend changes such as:
- Diet: focus on low-calorie, low-sodium, and nutrient-rich food
- Exercise: engage in more physical activity, especially aerobic exercise
- Smoking: stop as soon as possible
- Weight: lose weight if overweight, and maintain a healthy weight
- Stress: reduce stress and anxiety wherever possible
Don't make major lifestyle changes without checking with your cardiology caregiver first. Your cardiologist can help you reduce your risk through lifestyle choices and other recommended treatments.
What is the treatment for atrial fibrillation?
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your cardiologist may treat you by resetting your heart rhythm to its regular natural rhythm, the sinus rhythm. This can happen in two possible ways: with medication or a cardioversion procedure that sends electrical shocks into your heart to stop it, and then start it again with its sinus rhythm.
If atrial fibrillation is a concern for you, book your appointment with Healing Hearts Clinic online or by phone now.
