What Is AFib and How Can It Affect You?

ByKathleen Trinh
AFib

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and typically fast heartbeat. Commonly known as AFib, the condition can be linked to blood clots in the heart. Those diagnosed with AFib are at increased risk of heart failure, stroke, and other heart problems. Individuals suffering from obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease risk developing atrial fibrillation.

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

Some people with Atrial Fibrilation have no symptoms, but most patients do, and some are very serious. The condition may cause:

  • Chest pain
  • Lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • A racing pulse or heartbeat
  • Decreased energy
  • Weakness

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should speak to their doctor. Those with chest pains should get immediate medical care.

Kinds of Atrial Fibrillation

There are four types of atrial fibrillation, as follows:

  • Intermittent: The condition comes and goes. Episodes may last a few moments or go on for a week. Intermittent or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation may resolve by itself.
  • Persistent: The condition is considered persistent when it lasts for more than seven days. Doctors may use cardioversion, medications, or surgery to reset the heart rhythm.
  • Long-standing persistent: A condition in which patients experience symptoms for more than a year.
  • Permanent: Patients are diagnosed with permanent atrial fibrillation when doctors cannot reset their heart rhythm. The goal is to prevent clots and control the rhythm.

Causes of Atrial Fibrillation

Many issues can lead to atrial fibrillation, including high blood pressure, a heart attack, sleep apnea, lung disease, viral infections, and heart surgery. Other causes include heart valve disease, artery blockages, hyperthyroidism, and blood clots in the lungs.

Some people have a higher risk of developing the issue. Men and those over 50 are at greater risk, a family history of the disease increases the chance of developing it, and obesity is a common risk factor.

Treatments for Atrial Fibrillation

Doctors use several methods to Fix AFib. The goal is to control heart rate, maintain a regular rhythm, prevent blood clots, and minimize risk factors.

Patients may take medications to control their heart rate or correct the rhythm. Blood thinners are used to help prevent blood clots.

Procedures and surgeries benefit certain patients. Options can include electrical cardioversion, catheter ablation, AV node ablation, or left atrial appendage closure. Doctors might also recommend maze surgery, a type of ablation used to treat persistent atrial fibrillation.

Millions of people develop an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation, which can be dangerous to their health. To treat patients, doctors identify the type of atrial fibrillation and recommend medication, a procedure, or surgery. Minimizing risk factors for the condition is also part of treatment.