Atrial fibrillation occurs when the upper chambers of the heart, or atria, beat irregularly and rapidly. This can lead to blood clots forming within the heart that travel to the brain, causing strokes, or to other areas of the body, such as the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism.
Because strokes and blood clots are so dangerous, treatment must be sought out if you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or have symptoms. When you see your doctor and he determines you need it, atrial fibrillation treatment will involve lifestyle changes and possibly medication as well.
What is AFib, an irregular heartbeat?
Atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat. The top chambers of the heart (the atria) beat out of sync, which can cause blood clots to form and may result in stroke.
There are several things that can cause AFib, like an inherited problem with the heart’s electrical system or an underlying condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes. AFib treatment includes medication and sometimes surgery.
Those who have chronic AFib should be screened for potential risk factors for stroke. Patients who experience other symptoms of AFib, including lightheadedness, shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty swallowing and palpitations should see their doctor right away.
How common is AFib?
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia, with about 3 million people in the United States diagnosed with AFib. It can affect people at any age and people of any race. In a recent study, it was found that one out of every five individuals over 50 years old has AFib.
One out of every six African-Americans over 50 years old has AFib, which is nearly twice as many as Caucasian Americans. The prevalence of AFib increases with age: while 1% of those under 45 years old have the disease, 10% of those over 85 do.
Risk factors
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition in which the heart rate fluctuates. It is not always a serious disorder, but it can lead to other health problems if left untreated.
AF becomes more dangerous as it worsens because it has been linked with an increased risk of stroke and heart failure. Typically, treatment for AF involves medication that may help restore normal rhythm or prevent future episodes of the arrhythmia.
In addition, some patients may require surgery to correct structural abnormalities that can contribute to AF.
One type of structural abnormality is atrial septal defect, or ASD. An ASD is a hole between the two upper chambers of the heart that allows blood from the atria to mix together rather than only flowing through one chamber at a time during each heartbeat.
What Happens Next?
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm caused by an electrical problem. There are a number of treatments for atrial fibrillation, but it is important to know when to seek treatment. If you experience lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or chest pain with your atrial fibrillation, contact your doctor immediately. It may be that you need emergency medical care in order to save your life.
The best time for atrial fibrillation treatment is before the condition gets worse. When left untreated, the rate of recurrence will increase and it may become more difficult to treat. You can also prevent complications like congestive heart failure from developing if you get early Atrial Fibrillation Treatment in Coimbatore from a cardiologist.
Diagnosis and treatment
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. It usually does not have any symptoms, but can lead to a stroke if it causes blood clots to form in the heart’s left atrium.
If you are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and it is not due to another cause such as an infection or trauma, treatment will depend on how severe it is. Your doctor may prescribe medication to slow your heart rate and prevent blood clots from forming.
If this doesn’t work, they may recommend surgery to cut out the non-working part of your heart that is causing the problem.
Managing AFib
For many people, atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a minor annoyance. It might cause occasional palpitations, but otherwise, it’s not too problematic. For others, AFib can be more serious and lead to stroke or other complications.
If you experience severe symptoms of AFib or are at risk for complications from the condition, then treatment may be necessary to maintain your health.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Post-Atrial Fibrillation Care
Atrial fibrillation (AFib or A-fib) is an irregular heart rhythm that causes the upper chamber of your heart, called the atria, to beat chaotically and rapidly. These irregular heartbeats can put you at risk for stroke and other serious health complications, so it’s important to take steps to prevent them as soon as possible with proper management and care. Here are some things you need to know about after atrial fibrillation care.
Let Your Heart Heal
If you have just been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, there are some things you can do to help your heart heal. These include:
- Follow Taking medications as advised by your doctor.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Be physically active for at least thirty minutes per day, five days a week.
- Monitor your blood pressure closely and take medication if needed.
- Avoid alcohol or use in moderation.
Exercise Caution When Taking Certain Medications
It is important to take caution when taking certain medications after a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. These types of medications are often used in the treatment of arrhythmia, but they may worsen symptoms or induce new ones. For example, beta blockers may cause dizziness, fatigue, or even depression when taken by someone with atrial fibrillation.