Atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, is the most common type of irregular heartbeat, affecting around 3-6 million people in the U.S. alone. With A-fib, the top chambers of your heart beat irregularly, which means blood doesn’t flow well into the lower chambers. As you age, your chance of developing A-fib goes up, but factors like high blood pressure and diabetes can also increase your risk. Symptoms might not always be obvious, but when they are, you could experience heart palpitations, lightheadedness, or chest pain.
A-fib varies in severity. Some people have short episodes, while for others, it’s a constant problem. If you don’t treat A-fib, your risk of stroke can increase five times. Fortunately, there are plenty of treatments available to manage or even resolve it.
There are different types of A-fib, and it can start as paroxysmal and progress to persistent or long-term. Some people might not notice any symptoms, but many do experience issues like the ones mentioned earlier.
Normally, your heart’s electrical system coordinates the contractions of the atria and ventricles, moving blood throughout your body. But in A-fib, this system gets disrupted, causing the heart to struggle in contracting and pumping blood efficiently. A-fib can be triggered by changes or damage to heart tissues or the electrical system, often due to conditions like high blood pressure or coronary heart disease.
As you grow older, the likelihood of A-fib rises. Other health conditions and certain lifestyle choices, like smoking and drinking alcohol, can also contribute to this risk.
To diagnose A-fib, your doctor will consider your medical history and lifestyle, listen to your heart, and check your pulse and blood pressure. They might run tests to rule out thyroid issues, heart failure, or lung infections and use additional diagnostic tests if needed.
Treating A-fib aims to control your heart rate, restore a normal rhythm, and lower the risk of stroke. This might involve medications or procedures. Doctors often start with medications like:
If these medications don’t work, surgery might be suggested, with common procedures including:
Some risk factors for A-fib, like age or family history, can’t be controlled. But making healthier lifestyle choices can help prevent changes in your heart that lead to A-fib. Consider these preventive tips:
Having A-fib can increase your risk of other health issues such as:
A-fib sometimes goes away on its own, but it can often be treated and managed with medication or surgery. If not treated, A-fib can lead to complications, particularly for Black Americans who might face more severe consequences like stroke and heart failure than their white counterparts. Staying informed and following your healthcare provider’s advice is crucial for managing A-fib and preventing complications. If diagnosed, it’s important to stick to your treatment plan and keep up with doctor appointments.
