What you need to know about atrial fibrillation

Between 15% and 20% of people who experience a stroke have heart arrhythmias. In fact, AFib is associated with a five-fold increased risk for stroke. Despite these statistics, many people are unaware AFib is a serious condition.

What are the symptoms of AFib?

While there are people with AFib who have no symptoms, some may experience one or more of the following:

• Rapid and irregular heartbeat

• Fluttering or “thumping” in the chest

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain or pressure

• Dizziness

• Unusual fatigue or weakness

• Unusual sweating

• Anxiety

• Confusion

While some of these symptoms are like other heart problems, including cardiac arrest, fluttering and palpitations are the key signals of AFib.

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Who gets AFib?

There are several risk factors associated with AFib. These factors can increase the likelihood of developing the condition:

• Age: The risk of AFib increases with age, particularly after age 65.

• High blood pressure: Hypertension can cause your heart to work harder, increasing the risk of AFib.

• Heart disease: Conditions like coronary artery disease, heart valve issues and heart failure are strongly linked to AFib.

• Diabetes: Diabetes increases the risk of developing AFib.

• Obesity: Excess weight is a significant risk factor for AFib.

• Family history: A family history of AFib can increase your risk.

• Thyroid disorders: An overactive or underactive thyroid can contribute to AFib.

• Sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with a higher risk of AFib.

• Chronic conditions: Chronic conditions such as kidney disease and lung disease can increase risk.

• Alcohol consumption: Heavy drinking or binge drinking can trigger episodes of AFib.

• Smoking: Smoking is another risk factor for AFib.

• Stress and anxiety: High levels of stress and anxiety may contribute to the development of AFib.

• Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of AFib, though extreme physical activity can also be a risk factor.

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Managing these risk factors through lifestyle changes and medical intervention can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing AFib. In addition, if you have a family history of AFib, it’s important to be aware of the other risk factors and discuss your potential risk with a healthcare provider.

What are the treatments for AFib?

The treatment for AFib starts with a visit to a cardiologist who can properly diagnose you through an in-depth exam that will likely include an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). While treatments may vary depending on the length, severity and cause of AFib, generally the goal is to reset the heart’s rhythm or control the rate and prevent blood clots.

To reset the heart’s rate and rhythm to normal, doctors may prescribe medications to control your heartbeat. Doctors may also opt to conduct a cardioversion procedure. There are two types of cardioversions: 

• Electrical, where an electric shock is delivered to your heart with paddles or patches on your chest.

• Medications that slow the electrical signals in your heart.

There are times, however, when cardioversion or medications do not work. If that’s the case, a doctor may recommend a catheter or surgical ablations. In a catheter ablation, a doctor inserts long, thin tubes (catheters) into your groin and guides them through blood vessels to your heart. The catheter’s tip produces cold or heat to destroy areas of the heart tissue causing rapid and irregular heartbeats.

Surgical ablation requires open heart surgery and is generally reserved for those who don’t get better with other treatments or are having cardiac surgery for another reason.

Find a cardiologist near me.

Can AFib be prevented?

Because people with AFib are at increased risk of developing blood clots that can lead to stroke, your doctor may prescribe blood-thinning medications to prevent clotting.

Lastly, for both people with AFib and those looking to reduce their risk of getting it, maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes:

• Regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days)

• Follow a heart-healthy diet that is low in salt, saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol

• Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine

• Don’t smoke

• Maintain a healthy weight and cholesterol level

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Are there other types of irregular heartbeats?

Besides AFib, there are several types of irregular heartbeats, also known as arrhythmias. Each type affects the heart’s rhythm in different ways:

• Atrial flutter: Like AFib, atrial flutter involves a rapid but regular heartbeat. The atria beat quickly, but the rhythm is more organized than in AFib.

• Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs): These are extra heartbeats that originate in the ventricles. They often feel like they skipped or missed beats.

• Ventricular tachycardia (VT): This is a fast heart rate that starts in the ventricles. It can be life-threatening if it lasts long, as it may lead to ventricular fibrillation.

• Ventricular fibrillation (VF): This is a severe and life-threatening arrhythmia where the ventricles quiver instead of contracting properly, leading to a lack of effective blood circulation. Immediate treatment with defibrillation is required.

• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): This is a rapid heartbeat that starts above the ventricles, in the atria or AV node. It can cause episodes of palpitations and dizziness.

• Bradycardia: This is a slower-than-normal heart rate, often defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. It can be normal in well-trained athletes but may cause symptoms like fatigue or dizziness in others.

• Sick sinus syndrome: This condition occurs when the sinus node, the heart’s natural pacemaker, doesn't work properly, leading to irregular heartbeats, including both bradycardia and tachycardia.

• Heart block: This occurs when the electrical signals that tell the heart to contract are partially or completely blocked. There are different degrees of heart block, ranging from mild to severe.

• Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome: This is a type of SVT where an extra electrical pathway in the heart causes a rapid heartbeat.

• Atrial tachycardia: A type of SVT that originates in the atria and results in a fast heart rate that is typically regular but faster than normal.

These arrhythmias can vary in severity, and some may require medical treatment to prevent complications. If you experience any symptoms of an irregular heartbeat, it’s important to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.