Atrial Fibrillation
Afib (Atrial Fibrillation): The most common arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) diagnosis is Afib. Due to faulty nerve signals, the upper heart chambers (atria) beat chaotically & out of synch with the lower heart chambers (ventricles). Worldwide, Afib diagnoses are on the rise. In the USA, Afib contributes to 158,000 deaths per year & it is the primary diagnosis for 454,000 yearly hospitalizations. Although an Afib diagnosis is sometimes unavoidable, we all can benefit on how to identify it, manage it and prevent it from causing death.
Afib, seriously: If left untreated, Afib can lead to blood clot formation which can cause a stroke, heart attack or other heart related conditions. Afib signs & symptoms are palpitations (noticeable & unusual heart beats), chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, lightheadedness, limited exercise ability, shortness of breath & general weakness. However, it can exist without any signs & symptoms. Afib is diagnosed by bloodwork & diagnostic equipment such as an EKG/ECG. Work with your doctor to identify & treat this potentially debilitating & fatal heart diagnosis.
Afib, because: Afib can be caused by congenital (at birth) heart defects, sick sinus syndrome (natural pacemaker), obstructive sleep apnea, heart attack, heart valve disease, high blood pressure, lung disease, coronary heart disease, overactive thyroid, viral infection & heart surgery. Afib can also be caused by lifestyle choices such as excessive alcohol & substance use, smoking, electrolyte imbalances, obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease & family history. Such causes need to be addressed early to lower the risk of developing Afib.
Prevent Afib: Although not all causes of Afib are preventable, there are many things that can be done to lower the risk of developing it or having a poor outcome from it. To lower the risks of Afib & its development, take steps to address high blood pressure & cholesterol, diabetes, eliminate smoking/vaping, achieve & maintain healthy weight, reduce mental stress, create healthy sleep habits, decrease sodium & saturated (animal) fats and with physician guidance, maintain routine exercise. All of these steps will help you to live a healthier life.
Afib Options: Once diagnosed with Afib, addressing the underlying cause for Afib is the first step (e.g., overactive thyroid). If no underlying cause exists, treatment options may consist of medications to reduce stroke (e.g., anticoagulants) & to control heart beat (anti-arrhythmias), cardioversion (cardiac shock treatment), catheter ablation (procedure to correct cardiac nerve signals) & pacemaker. Treatment is based on age, general health, symptoms & underlying causes. The goal is to get the heart to beat in its normal steady rhythm, to prevent clot formation and most importantly, to save a life.
4 Afib Types: Paroxysmal Afib: Brief episodic events with or without symptoms lasting from 24 hours to a week. Treatment may be needed; however, it may self-resolve. Persistent Afib: Events lasting longer than a week and may need treatment or it may self-resolve. Long-term Persistent Afib: Events lasting longer than a year without getting better even with treatment interventions. Permanent Afib: When a patient & doctor are unable to return the heart to normal rhythm & all possible treatment options have been tried. Early follow-up is the best approach for treating Afib & for living a longer, healthier life.