Learn about

Atrial Fibrillation

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of arrhythmia. Arrhythmias are problems with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. If you have AFib, your heart can feel like it’s racing or beating too fast.

The heart has four chambers: two upper (atria) and two lower (ventricles). Normally, these chambers contract at the same speed, working together to ensure that blood is fully pumped out of the heart every time it beats.

During AFib, irregular electrical signals make the upper chambers squeeze very fast and out of sync which disrupts the normal flow of blood to the lower chambers. This causes blood to pool inside the heart. A clot can form in the blood then travel up to the brain, causing a stroke.

If left untreated, AFib can be deadly.

Symptoms

Oftentimes, people with atrial fibrillation don’t notice any symptoms at all and are unaware that their heart rate is irregular. Because of this, the only way to discover AFib is during a routine check-up or through a medical test for another condition.

Some common symptoms of AFib include:

Palpitations (feelings that your heart is fluttering, racing or skipping a beat)
Chest pain (angina)
Tiredness (inability to participate in normal activities)
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Lightheadedness

Symptoms can come and go based on the severity of your condition and can last for several minutes or hours at a time.

Risk factors

Atrial fibrillation can happen to anyone, including people who are otherwise fit and well. As you age, the risk of developing AFib increases, especially in people over the age of 60. Age is the number one risk factor for AFib.

There are several health conditions and behaviors that put you at a higher risk for AFib, including:

Treatment

If you have atrial fibrillation, you are five times more likely to have a stroke. Treatment for AFib focuses on managing your symptoms and minimizing that risk.

Treatment options may include:

Medications: Such as blood thinners to reduce the risk of stroke and beta blockers to help restore a normal heartbeat.
Catheter ablation: A minimally invasive procedure that targets the tissue causing arrhythmias.
Implantable pacemakers: Used to effectively manage dangerous arrhythmias like bradycardia.
Watchman device: Alternative to long term use of blood thinners in eligible patients to reduce the risk of strokes.

Living with AFib

AFib may seem overwhelming, but there are things you can do to help manage your symptoms and live life to the fullest.

Adjust your diet: Incorporate vegetables, fruits and lean proteins into your diet while avoiding things that are high in trans fats, salt and added sugar.
Get active: Participating in low-impact activities like walking, gardening or yoga are a great way to start without overdoing it.
Don’t smoke: If you do smoke, quit!
Limit alcohol: Alcohol use, specifically intoxication and binge drinking are significant triggers for atrial fibrillation.
Reduce stress: The way you let stress affect you can have very real physical consequences and cause heart rhythm problems.
Manage your medications: Work with your provider to monitor your prescriptions; this includes discussing any concerns, side effects or difficulties paying for your medications.

We’re here for you and your heart

There are things you can do to minimize your risk for AFib and stay on top of your heart health. St. Elizabeth offers a complimentary prevention and wellness program to help identify potential risk factors and improve your quality of life. Discover more at Take Time for Your Heart.

If you have any heart related issues or concerns, notify your healthcare provider. If you have heart attack symptoms, don’t delay, CALL 911 immediately!

To schedule an appointment with a cardiologist, call (859) 287-3045 or visit our website to learn more.