Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Also called AFib or AF, Atrial fibrillation refers to a fluttery, quivery heartbeat. It is a type of arrhythmia, a term used to describe any irregularity in the heart’s rhythm. AFib specifically makes the heart beat too fast and irregularly. In people with Afib, the heart’s top part rapidly contracts, resulting in a skipping beat or fluttering sensation. Since AFib results in improper blood flow, it induces the risk of heart failure. It occurs when the heart fails to keep up with the body’s requirements—consequently, the blood pools inside the heart, resulting in clots. When the clot gets stuck in the brain, it triggers a stroke.

While AF is not usually life-threatening, not getting the correct atrial fibrillation treatment can make this serious.

Let us dig deeper to understand it better

Types

Broadly, there are four kinds of AF.

These include

A. Paroxysmal AF

1. It comes and goes.
2. Symptoms may last from a few seconds to hours.
3. Signs subside in a week.

B. Persistent AF

1. The irregular heartbeat lasts for over a week.

C. Long-standing persistent AF

1. It is constant.
2. Symptoms last for over 12 months.

D. Permanent AF

1. The heart rhythm cannot be reversed.

Symptoms

• Some people experience symptoms, while others don’t.
• It depends on how fast the ventricles beat.

For instance

• There are no symptoms if they beat at a slightly elevated or normal pace.
• Symptoms will show when the ventricles beat faster.

Common signs include

1. Dizziness
2. Extreme fatigue
3. Shortness of breath
4. Fainting
5. Lightheadedness
6. An irregular heartbeat
7. Chest pain or angina
8. A feeling of butterflies in the chest
9. Heart palpitations
10. Anxiety
11. Weakness
12. Confusion
13. Sweating
14. Chest pressure

When symptoms show

1. Maintain a diary of when they occur.
2. Jot down what triggers the symptoms.
3. Share this information so that you receive the proper atrial fibrillation treatment.

Causes

AF occurs because of the

1. Damage to the heart’s tissue.
2. Changes in the electrical system

These changes stem from the following conditions

1. Heart failure
2. Coronary artery disease or CAD
3. High blood pressure

Other causes for AF include

1. Excessive alcohol use
2. Hyperthyroidism
3. Heart valve issues
4. Stress response from the illness
5. Prematurely triggered heartbeat or a skipped beat

While AF is prevalent in the conditions above, it can be tricky to understand what causes it. As the best cardiologists for atrial fibrillation say, sometimes the condition has no identifiable cause.

Risk Factors

While anyone can develop AF, the risk is higher in

1. People of European descent
2. People assigned female at birth
3. People who have had a biological family member with the condition
4. Older people over 65
5. Those with high blood pressure

Note: It’s important to note that AF is more common in certain populations. For instance, white individuals are more likely to develop AF, a fact that can help you stay informed about your health.

Note: Black people with AF usually have more severe complications, such as heart failure or stroke.

Note: High blood pressure causes AF in 60-80 percent of patients.

Other risk factors for AF include

1. Type 2 diabetes
2. Obesity
3. CAD
4. Coronary kidney disease
5. Congenital heart disease
6. Lung disorders like COPD
7. Heart failure
8. Hyperthyroidism
9. Sleep apnea
10. Using recreational drugs
11. Smoking or using tobacco products
12. Drinking alcohol
13. Athletes who exercise for long durations

Treatment

The primary goal for treatment is

1. To manage the heart rate
2. Lowering the probability of a stroke
3. Regaining a regular heart rate

Basis the symptoms, the doctor will suggest the atrial fibrillation treatment.

Some suggested options include

1. Medications

It is the first line of treatment.

A. These can help manage the heart rate.

Options include

1. Amiodarone
2. Flecainide
3. Disopyramide
4. Dofetilide
5. Procainamide
6. Sotalol
7. Propafenone

B. They prevent the ventricles from beating too fast.

Options include

1. Verapamil
2. Carvedilol
3. Digoxin
4. Diltiazem
5. Metoprolol

C. They can lower the possibility of stroke and blood clots.

Options include

1. Apixaban
2. Argatroban
3. Warfarin
4. Dabigatran

2. Procedures and Surgeries

Doctors may recommend surgery or a procedure when medications do not work. Most procedures are non-invasive.

Some commonly recommended options are

1. Left Atrial Appendage Closure
2. Pulmonary Vein Isolation Ablation
3. Electrical Cardioversion
4. Permanent Pacemaker
5. Maze Procedure

Related : Do You Have Atrial Fibrillation and What Are Its Causes?

Lifestyle Changes

Some changes that can help are

1. Quitting smoking
2. Exercising for 30 minutes daily
3. Managing stress levels
4. Not using tobacco
5. Getting adequate sleep
6. Curtailing caffeine intake
7. Limiting alcohol intake
8. Not taking drugs that increase heartbeat
9. Avoiding intense workouts
10. Not taking large meals
11. Drinking plenty of water

Bottom Line

Regrettably, one in three people with the condition are unaware of it. However, the more you understand about the risk factors and consult your doctors, the more empowered you become. Recognizing the risk factors of atrial fibrillation is crucial for maintaining good heart health and reducing the risk of complications. Remember, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve outcomes, putting you in control of your health. You can speak to Dr Raghu, a recognized heart specialist if you encounter any of the above-stated AF symptoms or need help with the diagnosis or treatment.

Source Link – sciencedirect.com