Looking Into The Symptoms Of Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a condition whereby your heart rate is irregular, and your chances of heart failure, stroke, and different heart-related conditions will increase.
Atrial fibrillation is a condition whereby your heart rate is irregular, and your chances of heart failure, stroke, and different heart-related conditions will increase.
When you experience atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of the heart known as atria will beat irregularly while also coordinating with the lower heart chambers, namely ventricles.
The main symptoms of afib include shortness of breath, weakness, and heart palpitations. Some people develop the condition, and it persists such that a medical practitioner is supposed to examine them and come up with a suitable treatment plan. Although the condition does not threaten your life, it is serious, and you may need emergency treatment.
One of the major concerns when it comes to afib is that you may end up developing blood clots in the atria (the upper chambers of the heart). When a blood clot forms, there is a high likelihood it will circulate to different organs, and the blood flow will be blocked.
The medical practitioner will administer medication to treat afib. Depending on the severity of the condition, other forms of intervention can be administered.
Some people suffer from afib, but they don’t have any symptoms. Such individuals are not aware of the condition they’re suffering from unless a medical examination is conducted. The individuals who are suffering from the condition will experience the following symptoms:
· Weakness
· Palpitations- you’ll be uncomfortable, experience a racing sensation, and an irregular heartbeat
· Fatigue
· Inability to exercise
· Dizziness
· Lightheadedness
· Chest pain
· Shortness of breath
The condition can be:
· Persistent- when the condition persists, the heart rhythm cannot get back to normal. As a result, you should seek treatment. The medical practitioner can administer medication or an electrical shock such that the heart rhythm will get back to normal.
· Occasional- when the condition comes about occasionally, there is a likelihood it can last for minutes or hours. At times, the symptoms will persist for at least one week, and the atrial fibrillation episodes will occur repeatedly. If the symptoms, the best solution is to seek medical intervention.
· Permanent- in this case, the heart rhythm will be abnormal for your entire life, considering the condition will be permanent. The doctor will administer medication to ensure the heart rate is under control while also preventing blood clots.
If you’re experiencing any Afib symptoms, you should book an appointment with a medical practitioner who specializes in handling such medical issues. There is a likelihood the medical practitioner will place an order for an electrocardiogram that will help determine if you’re indeed suffering from afib or any other conditions that cause an irregular heart rhythm.
For those experiencing chest pains, it is advisable to seek emergency medical assistance. The chest pains may signify that something serious is going on.
When you’re suffering from atrial fibrillation, you usually have a heartbeat rate that ranges from 100 to 175 beats in one minute. In normal instances, the heartbeat should range from 60 to 100 beats in a minute.
The heart comprises four chambers; the upper and lower chambers, the atria, and ventricles. The right atrium comprises a group of cells known as the sinus node, and it acts as a pacemaker. The sinus node is responsible for producing a signal which is responsible for starting every heartbeat.
In normal instances, the signal produced by the sinus node will travel to the upper chambers of the heart through a pathway connecting the lower and upper chambers known as the AV (atrioventricular) node. The signal’s movement causes the heart to contract, and blood will be sent to different parts of the body and the heart.
In afib, the signals in the atria are chaotic. The AV (atrioventricular) node which connects the lower and upper heart chambers will experience more signals than usual. The lower heart chambers will beat rapidly compared to the atria considering not all impulses will pass through.
The Main Causes of Afib
Afib is mainly caused by different abnormalities that alter the normal heart structure. The leading causes include:
· Heart attack
· High blood pressure
· Abnormal heart valves
· Coronary artery disease
· A thyroid gland that is overactive
· Heart defects that have been present since your birth
· Lung diseases
· Being exposed to stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and medications
· Viral infections
· Previous heart surgery
· Sleep apnea
· Stress because of pneumonia, surgery, and different illnesses
Some people are suffering from afib, yet they don’t have pre-existing heart conditions. In this case, the condition is referred to as lone afib (atrial fibrillation), and the cause is yet to be known.
Some of the risk factors associated with afib include:
• Heart disease- if you are suffering from any heart disease, including congestive heart failure, heart valve issues, congenital heart disease, or you have had heart surgery or heart attack before, you are at a high risk of suffering from afib.
• Age- the seniors are at risk of suffering from afib.
Fortunately, the condition is preventable if you avoid smoking, have a healthy diet, and regularly engage in physical activity. If you have any concerns about unusual symptoms, its important to contact your doctor right away.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.