Atrial Fibrillation or AFib is an irregular or rapid heart rate the usually results in poor blood circulation in the body. During AFib, the aria or the hearts two upper chambers beat irregularly. They are chaotically out of communication with the vertical of the heart. The most common symptoms of AFib include shortness of breath, weakness, and heart palpitations.
Atrial fibrillation episodes may come and go, or can become chronic. While ABid is not a life threatening, it’s a serious medical condition, which often requires emergency treatment as it may lead to complications. AFib treatments may include interventions to alter the heart’s electrical system or medications.
7 Most Common Symptoms of AFIB
AFib is a condition of the heart that doesn’t beat efficiently, which means that the heart may not pump enough blood with every heartbeat. Some people with this condition may not display symptoms, and may not be unaware of their health condition until discovered upon going through a physical examination. The most common symptoms of Afib are the following:
1. Weakness
2. Light Headedness
3. Shortness of Breath
4. Decreased Blood Pressure
5. Chest Pain
6. Confusion
7. Palpitations such as sensations of a racing, irregular, uncomfortable heartbeat or a flopping sensation in the chest
In addition, atrial fibrillation can be occasional and chronic. Occasional AFib is called Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. You may experience symptoms that come and go, which last for fewer minutes to an hour and then stop on their own. Chronc Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heartbeat that occurs all of the time.
Individuals with symptoms of AFib should immediately consult their doctor. Doctors will be able to tell patients if their symptoms are triggered by AFib or other heart arrhythmia. If you suddenly suffer chest pain, call for help as you may be suffering from a heart attack.
11 Atrial Fibrillation Possible Causes
Damage or abnormalities on the heart structure are the most common causes of AFib. Possible causes of AFib may include:
1. High Blood Pressure
2. Abnormal Heart Valves
3. Heart Attacks
4. An Overactive Thyroid Gland or Metabolic Imbalance
5. Exposure to Stimulants (medications, alcohol, caffeine or tobacco)
6. Congenital Heart Defects
7. Emphysema and Other Lung Diseases
8. Viral Infections
9. Sick Sinus Syndrome
10. Sleep Apnea
11. Stress (surgery, pneumonia, and other illnesses)
Some people with no heart damage or defects may still suffer from AFib, and the condition is called Lone Atrial Fibrillation. The causes for such condition are often unclear and cases of serious complications are rare.
AFib Treatments are common to adults as their heart is damaged due to aging and other underlying health conditions. Based on researches and studies results, approximately 11% of individuals over 80 years old are suffering from Atrial fibrillation.
Individuals diagnosed with AFib are at higher risk of heart attack or stroke, especially those who are diagnosed with heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, and valve disease. Blood clot can also from at the atria due to poor blood circulation. This can result in stroke as the clot can travel to the brain after it leaves the heart.
