Atrial
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) is a type of irregular heartbeat where the heart's two upper chambers (the atria) beat erratically and too fast. It can lead to serious health problems, such as stroke, heart failure, and other cardiac complications. It is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder and affects more than 2 million people in the United States alone.
AFib can occur in any age group but is more common in people over 65. It is also more likely to occur in people with underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and thyroid disorders.
Signs and Symptoms of AFib
The most common symptom of AFib is a fluttering or racing heart rate. This feeling can range from mild to severe and last for minutes to days. Other symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Decreased exercise tolerance
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Chest pain or pressure
Diagnosis of AFib
In order to diagnose AFib, your doctor will perform a physical examination and review your medical history. They may also order lab tests or an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart’s electrical activity. Finally, your doctor may use imaging tests such as echocardiography or stress testing to take pictures of your heart and check for any signs of damage.
Treatment of AFib
Treatment of AFib depends on the severity of your symptoms. In mild cases, medications such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers may be prescribed to help control the heart rate. In more severe cases, a procedure known as ablation may be used to destroy the areas of the heart that are causing the abnormal activity. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
Complications
AFib can lead to potentially serious health problems, such as stroke, heart failure, and other cardiac complications. People with AFib have an increased risk of stroke compared to those without the condition. If you experience any of the AFib symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor right away.