The Dangers of Atrial Fibrillation
You or someone you care for may be one of more than two million Americans experiencing irregular, frequent heart beats caused by atrial fibrillation (also known as A-Fib or AF). Or, you may have been managing your atrial fibrillation over several years and are ready to explore advanced treatment options.
Treatment can often control this disorder and people with atrial fibrillation do very well. However, atrial fibrillation tends to return and get worse. It may come back even with treatment. The biggest danger with A-Fib is to leave it untreated.
Causes of Atrial Fibrillation
There are a number of acute (temporary) and chronic (long-term) conditions that can lead to this rhythm abnormality. There may be a familial tendency to develop A-Fib.
- Surgery
- Lung disease, such as pneumonia
- Asthma attacks
- Anemia
- Occurrence of a metabolic disorder, such as an overactive thyroid gland
- Inflammation of the lining of the heart
- Having a heart attack
Possible Chronic Conditions Include:
- Existing heart problems: This includes congenital (born with) heart defects or heart valve diseases. Additionally, A-Fib may be associated with hypertrophic, dilated or various other heart diseases that change the shape of the heart, interfering with the heart’s intricate electrical system.
- Longstanding lung problems
- Alcohol abuse
- Smoking and excessive caffeine consumption
- Excess weight
- Sleep apnea
Atrial Fibrillation Risk Factors
There are several well-established risk factors that increase your chances of developing atrial fibrillation. These include:
- Age (older adults are more likely to develop A-Fib)
- Family history
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Coronary artery disease and heart failure
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Congenital heart abnormalities
- Sleep apnea
A-Fib is not always preventable, but there are ways to reduce your risk. Maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle, which includes regularly exercising; eating a diet that incorporates vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins; smoking cessation; limiting caffeine and alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight. If have been diagnosed with A-Fib, follow the medications and treatment plan your health care provider has prescribed you.
Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation
The most common symptom of A-Fib is feeling a fast or irregular heartbeat. However, it’s not uncommon to feel other symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath and fatigue.
Below is a list of some common A-Fib symptoms. Keep in mind many of these signs and symptoms are similar to those you would experience when your heart beat increases with vigorous physical exercise:
- Fast heartbeat – usually over 130-150 beats per minute. You can check your own pulse by placing a finger on your wrist or neck. If you were exercising, wait a few minutes to see if your heartbeat goes back to your normal rate, which should be between 60-100 beats per minute.
- Palpitations
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Vague chest discomfort
- Angina – chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough blood. Angina is more likely if the heartbeat is very fast and the heart is being put under a lot of strain.
- Hoarseness
- Increased urination
If you have any of these symptoms or think you may have A-Fib, contact your doctor. You may not have any signs or symptoms and still have atrial fibrillation in which case the condition can only be detected during a routine medical exam or EKG.