Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder and a leading cause of stroke and heart failure. Many people do not realize that they have it because the symptoms may be mild or absent yet it may lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. Therefore, understanding the causes and treatment of atrial fibrillation is essential for protecting long-term heart health.
Keep reading to learn what atrial fibrillation is, why it happens, the warning signs to watch for, and the most effective ways to manage and treat it.
What Is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and rapid heart rhythm that may lead to blood clots in the heart. It usually begins in the heart’s upper chambers, known as atria. It increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.
In a healthy heart, electrical signals travel from the atria to the ventricles, producing a steady and efficient heartbeat. In AFib, the heart’s electrical system malfunctions and instead of sending electrical signals in a regular pattern, it sends many different signals at the same time, leading to an irregular and ineffective heartbeat.
Types of Atrial Fibrillation
The type of atrial fibrillation depends on how it occurs, how long it lasts, and how it responds to treatment. It includes
- Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Episodes start suddenly and usually stop on their own within 48 hours to one week.
- Persistent atrial fibrillation: It occurs when the abnormal heart rhythm lasts longer than seven days and typically requires medical intervention to restore normal rhythm.
- Long-term persistent atrial fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation that continues for over a year without returning to normal rhythm.
- Permanent atrial fibrillation: It occurs when atrial fibrillation does not get better even after healthcare providers have tried to restore a normal heart rhythm with medicines, and it becomes permanent.
Causes and Risk Factors of Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is most often caused by changes to the heart’s tissue or the electrical signalling that helps the heartbeat.
The different risk factors that may raise the risk of atrial fibrillation include
- Increasing age, especially after age 65
- Family history and genetic predisposition
- People with underlying heart disease, including valve problems, thickened muscles, narrowed or blocked arteries, past heart attack, or recent heart surgery
- Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical activity
- Extreme endurance or high-intensity exercise training
- Being overweight or obese
- Stressful situations, panic disorders, and other types of emotional stress
- Underlying conditions, including chronic kidney disease, an overactive thyroid, diabetes, and sleep apnea
These risk factors often work together, significantly increasing the chances of developing AFib, especially in individuals with existing cardiovascular problems.
Common Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation
The different symptoms of atrial fibrillation may include
- A fast, fluttering heartbeat, known as palpitations, that may last for a few seconds up to a few minutes
- Chest pain or tightness
- Extreme fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
Some people may not experience symptoms and are found as part of a routine check-up. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider.
Why Atrial Fibrillation Is Dangerous?
Atrial fibrillation may significantly increase the risk of serious and life-threatening complications, including
- Stroke, caused by blood clots that may form in the heart and travel to the brain
- Heart failure occurs when the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs
- Sudden cardiac arrest, resulting from dangerous heart rhythm disturbances
- Cognitive decline and dementia are linked to reduced blood flow to the brain and repeated small strokes.
These complications highlight the importance of early diagnosis and consistent treatment to protect long-term heart and brain health.
How Atrial Fibrillation Is Diagnosed?
The doctors use several tests to confirm a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, including
- Blood tests to identify medical conditions or substances that affect the heart rhythm.
- Electrocardiogram to evaluate the heart’s electrical activity and detect abnormal rhythms.
- Echocardiogram to create detailed images of the beating heart using sound waves
- Chest X-ray to evaluate the condition of the lungs and heart
- Holter monitor is a small, portable ECG device that records the heart’s activity over 24-48 hours
- Implantable loop recorder to continuously monitor the heart rhythm for up to three years
- Exercise stress tests to assess how the heart responds to physical activity
Early detection is necessary as it allows timely treatment, reduces the risk of complications, and prevents long-term damage.
Treatment Options for Atrial Fibrillation
The primary goals of atrial fibrillation treatment involve controlling the heartbeat and preventing blood clots. The treatment options may vary depending on the severity of symptoms, the underlying cause of the irregular heartbeat, and the patient’s overall health.
The different treatment options for atrial fibrillation include
Lifestyle Modifications
Different lifestyle modifications that are essential across all stages of atrial fibrillation include
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Avoid tobacco use and illegal drugs, including cocaine
- Reduce caffeine, stress, and dehydration
- Exercise regularly and aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, including walking, bike riding, or gardening.
- Maintain the underlying conditions, including high blood pressure, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and diabetes
Medications
Your healthcare provider may provide medicines to control the rate, restore normal rhythm of your heart, and lower the risk of blood clots or stroke. It involves beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, digoxin, antiarrhythmic drugs, and blood thinners to reduce the risk of clot formation and stroke.
Ablation Therapy
Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of heat or cold energy to create tiny scars in the heart. These scars block the abnormal electrical signals responsible for atrial fibrillation, helping restore a normal heart rhythm.
Cardioversion
Cardioversion may be recommended if symptoms are severe or if atrial fibrillation is newly diagnosed. It can be performed in two ways: electrical cardioversion, which delivers controlled electrical shocks to the heart and drug cardioversion, where medicines are used to reset the heart’s rhythm.
Pacemaker or ICD Implantation
In some cases, heart rhythm medications may slow the heartbeat excessively. A pacemaker or implantable cardio-verter-defibrillator may be implanted to regulate the heart’s rhythm and ensure a safe, steady heartbeat.
If atrial fibrillation is caused by another health condition or by certain medications, treating the underlying condition or adjusting the medicines often leads to significant improvement in symptoms.
When to See a Doctor Immediately
If you experience symptoms of atrial fibrillation, including sudden chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, signs of stroke, and a very rapid or irregular heartbeat lasting more than a few minutes, seek emergency care immediately.
Early medical attention can be life-saving and may prevent life-threatening complications.
If you show any signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation, please book a consultation with Heart360 Care for expert evaluation and personalized guidance toward better heart health!
Conclusion
Atrial fibrillation is a serious but manageable heart condition that requires timely diagnosis and consistent care. If left untreated, it may lead to stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac events. With the right combination of medical therapy, lifestyle changes, and ongoing monitoring, individuals with atrial fibrillation may lead active lives.
If you experience any warning signs, it is essential to seek medical attention and expert guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Atrial fibrillation is usually not permanently curable, but it is highly manageable with proper treatment, including medications, medical procedures, and healthy lifestyle changes. It may help to control symptoms, reduce complications, and maintain a good quality of life.
Yes, some cases of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation episodes may resolve on its own without medical help. It may start suddenly and stop without treatment. However, in most people, it is a chronic condition and requires effective management to prevent complications and long-term heart damage.
Yes, atrial fibrillation can be life-threatening if left untreated. It increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other serious heart related complications, making early diagnosis and proper treatment essential for preventing dangerous outcomes. THe treatment options, include medicines, therapy, and procedures to block faulty heart signals.
Atrial fibrillation may cause chest pain and other symptoms similar to a heart attack, it does not directly cause a heart attack. However, it significantly increase the overall cardiovascular risk. It may worsen existing heart disease, reduce blood flow to the heart, and make complications, including heart failure and coronary artery disease more dangerous.
With proper diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle management, many people with atrial fibrillation may live a normal and active life. The different factors that influence long-term outcomes include early detection, consistent medical care, control of risk factors, and prevention of complications, including stroke and heart failure.
