Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF) is when the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat irregularly and too fast. The atria quiver instead of contracting, disrupting the heart’s rhythm and reducing blood flow.

Normally, the heart’s electrical signals come from the sinus node, which is the heart’s natural pacemaker. These signals make the atria contract and pump blood into the lower chambers (ventricles), which then pump blood to the rest of the body. In AFib, the signals become chaotic, causing the atria to fibrillate or twitch instead of pumping blood properly. This often leads to a rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Types of Atrial Fibrillation

• Paroxysmal AFib: Episodes start and stop on their own, lasting from minutes to days.
• Persistent AFib: Episodes don’t stop on their own and need medical treatment to restore a normal rhythm.
• Long-standing Persistent AFib: The irregular rhythm lasts for over a year.
• Permanent AFib: The irregular rhythm becomes permanent, and normal rhythm is no longer pursued.

AFib can cause effects that vary by person. It may cause mild symptoms or serious complications. The effects depend on the patient’s health and the condition’s cause.

Causes of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation can result from various factors, including heart conditions, lifestyle habits, and other health issues:

• Heart Diseases: Coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, congenital disabilities, and cardiomyopathies.
• High Blood Pressure: Long-term, uncontrolled hypertension strains the heart.
• Thyroid Disorders: Overactive or underactive thyroid can disrupt the heart’s rhythm.
• Alcohol Consumption: Binge drinking or heavy alcohol use can trigger episodes.
• Sleep Apnea: Repeated breathing interruptions during sleep increase AFib risk.
• Obesity and Metabolic Issues: Obesity and diabetes add stress to the heart and promote inflammation.
• Aging: AFib risk increases with age due to heart changes.

In some cases, the exact cause of AFib may be unclear, requiring further medical evaluation.

Risk Factors Associated with Atrial Fibrillation

A variety of factors, including age, heart health, and lifestyle choices, influence atrial fibrillation (AFib). Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take proactive steps to reduce their risk and support overall heart health:

• Age: Risk increases after 60.
• Heart Conditions: Coronary artery disease, heart failure, valve disorders, and congenital disabilities.
• High Blood Pressure: Adds strain on the heart.
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and obesity.
• Sleep Apnea: Breathing issues during sleep raise risk.
• Chronic Conditions: Kidney disease, COPD, and thyroid disorders.
• Family History: A genetic link may exist.

Managing these factors can help lower the risk and improve heart health.

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation can vary, and some people may not notice any at all. Common signs to watch for include:

• Heart Palpitations: A rapid, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat.
• Fatigue and Weakness: Reduced blood flow can cause tiredness and low energy.
• Shortness of Breath: Fluid buildup in the lungs may make breathing difficult, especially during activity.
• Chest Discomfort: Pressure or tightness in the chest, sometimes mistaken for angina.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Irregular blood flow may lead to balance issues or faintness.
• Confusion or Trouble Concentrating: Reduced blood flow to the brain can cause difficulty focusing.

Some people may only discover they have AFib during a routine exam or after experiencing complications. Always consult a doctor if you notice these symptoms.

Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Options

The goal of atrial fibrillation (AFib) treatment is to control the heart rate, restore normal rhythm, and prevent complications like stroke or heart failure. Treatment depends on factors such as how severe the symptoms are, your overall health, and how long you’ve had AFib.

Common Treatment Options

• Medications:
  • Antiarrhythmics: Help restore and maintain a normal heart rhythm (e.g., amiodarone, flecainide).
  • Rate Control Medications: Help control the heart rate when the rhythm can’t be fixed (e.g., beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers).
  • Blood Thinners: Reduce the risk of stroke by preventing blood clots (e.g., warfarin, apixaban).
• Electrical Cardioversion: A procedure that uses a controlled electrical shock to restore normal heart rhythm.
• Catheter Ablation: A procedure where a catheter is used to create scar tissue in the heart to stop abnormal electrical signals.
• Surgical Ablation (Maze Procedure): Open-heart surgery that creates scar tissue to block abnormal electrical pathways in the heart, often done with other heart surgeries.
• Pacemaker or Defibrillator: Devices implanted to control the heart rate or shock the heart back to a normal rhythm when needed.
• Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol can help reduce AFib risk. Treating underlying issues like high blood pressure and sleep apnea is also essential.

Treatment plans are based on your health, and a combination of options is used to manage AFib.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Atrial Fibrillation

In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle changes can help manage atrial fibrillation and reduce its recurrence:

• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly to reduce heart strain and improve cardiovascular health.
• Limit salt, increase potassium-rich foods, and consume omega-3s found in fatty fish. Also, limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
• Practice techniques like meditation or yoga to reduce stress.
• Address sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, to support heart health.
• Quit smoking and manage conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes to reduce AFib risk.

These changes should complement medical treatment and be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Complications of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation can cause serious problems if not treated. One of the biggest risks is stroke, as AFib can lead to blood clots forming in the heart that may travel to the brain. Heart failure is another concern, as an irregular heartbeat can weaken the heart over time. AFib also increases the risk of other issues like pulmonary embolism. Long-term AFib can damage the heart and cause more problems. Managing AFib with treatment and lifestyle changes can help reduce these risks.

Contact Us for Care

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of atrial fibrillation or have been diagnosed with the condition, our team at Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health is here to help. We offer comprehensive care and personalized treatment plans to manage your AFib and improve your heart health. Don’t wait—reach out today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert cardiologists and take the first step towards better heart health.

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