Atrial fibrillation: Keeping your heart in rhythm

September 16, 2024 / Family Medicine / 8-minute read

Ever feel like your heart is playing a drum solo all on its own? Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is the most common type of heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. It can cause a fluttering sensation in the chest, sometimes described as a rolling thunder or even the feeling of a fish flopping around.

AFib can be serious, increasing the risk of stroke and heart failure. But don’t worry—with the right knowledge and approach, you can keep your heart in rhythm and in check. When it comes to AFib, knowledge is power. That’s why this guide zeroes in on the essential facts, Dispelling myths and delivering straight talk on symptoms, causes, and the treatment options that work.

What is atrial fibrillation (AFib)?

Think of your heart as having four chambers, like a well-coordinated dance team. In AFib, the two upper chambers (the atria) get a case of the jitters with rapid and irregular electrical activity. This causes them to be out of sync with the lower chambers (the ventricles). This abnormal rhythm can disrupt the efficient pumping of blood from the heart, potentially leading to blood clots, stroke, and other heart-related complications.

AFib by the numbers

AFib is the most common sustained heart arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm
Somewhere between 2.7 and 6.1 million Americans have AFib
Approximately 160,000 new cases of AFib are diagnosed each year
An estimated 12.1 million Americans are predicted to have AFib by 2030

UpBeat.org produced this video to help individuals better understand AFib:

Causes and risk factors for AFib

While the exact causes of AFib are not always clear, several factors can contribute to its development. Some of these include:

Age: The risk of AFib increases with age. This is likely because the heart muscle tends to become less elastic and more prone to irregular rhythms as we get older.
High blood pressure: Chronic high blood pressure puts extra strain on the heart, which can lead to AFib.
Heart disease: If you have coronary artery disease, heart failure, or valve problems, your risk of developing AFib goes up.
Sleep apnea: This condition causes you to stop breathing briefly during sleep, which can disrupt your heart’s rhythm.
Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can cause AFib.
Lung disease: Certain lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can increase the risk of AFib.
Excessive alcohol consumption: Heavy drinking can trigger AFib in some people.
Surgery and illness: These can sometimes contribute to the development of AFib.

If you know what puts you at risk for AFib, you can take charge and make changes to safeguard your heart. If you have any of the above conditions, it’s important to talk to your Welia Health provider about ways to manage your risk.

Symptoms of AFib

AFib can show up in different ways, but some common signs include:

Heart palpitations, a fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeat
Sudden fatigue
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or discomfort
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Reduced ability to exercise
Weakness

When AFib is left untreated

While AFib might not always cause symptoms, leaving it untreated can lead to some serious complications down the road, such as:

Stroke: Blood clots can form in your heart and travel to your brain, causing a stroke.
Heart failure: AFib can weaken your heart over time, making it harder for it to pump blood efficiently.
Memory problems: Some studies suggest a link between AFib and cognitive decline.

Diagnosing AFib

If you’re experiencing symptoms of AFib, your Welia Health provider will likely perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history. They may also order one or more of the following tests:

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test records the electrical activity of your heart. An ECG can often diagnose AFib.

Holter monitor: This portable device records your heart’s electrical activity over 24 hours. It can help identify AFib that only occurs intermittently.

Event recorder: This device records your heart’s electrical activity when you press a button to indicate symptoms. It can be used to diagnose infrequent AFib.

Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to create images of your heart. This technology displays your heart’s inner mechanics and helps identify blood clots that could be cause for concern.

Once AFib is diagnosed, your provider will discuss treatment options with you.

Effective treatments for AFib

At Welia Health, we understand that an AFib diagnosis can be unnerving. We’re here to help. To get to the heart of what’s going on, we’ll have an open conversation about your symptoms and health history, then build a plan that’s right for you.

Lifestyle changes for a healthier heart

Healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables is a cornerstone of heart-healthy living.
Regular exercise: Physical activity, as we know, has clear benefits for heart health.
Weight management: Losing weight can reduce your risk of AFib.
Stress management: Techniques like meditation or yoga can help reduce stress.
Limit alcohol and caffeine: For some, consumption of these substances can trigger AFib.

Medications for AFib

Antiarrhythmic drugs: These medications are used sparingly to control the heart rate and rhythm.
Blood thinners: Also known as anticoagulants, these medications help prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke.
Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers: These drugs can help slow the heart rate and reduce your blood pressure.

Procedures to treat AFib

Cardioversion: Using electric shocks or medication to restore your heart’s normal rhythm.
Ablation: An advanced procedure using heat or cold energy to destroy abnormal heart tissue that causes AFib.
Pacemaker or defibrillator: Implantable medical devices to help regulate your heart’s rhythm.

AFib doesn’t have to control your life

Think you might have AFib? Don’t let it go unchecked. At Welia Health, we’re here to listen, provide answers, and help you get your heart back on track. Call Welia Health at 320.679.1212 or log into MyChart to schedule an appointment.

We understand that an AFib diagnosis can be unsettling, but with the right care, you can manage your condition and enjoy a full, active life. Our team of family medicine providers and cardiologists is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.