Individuals often suffer from Atrial fibrillation find that their hear rate is irregular and often rapid in speed. It can increase the risk of the individual having a stroke, heart failure or hear related complications.
When an individual suffers from atrial fibrillation the heart's upper chambers beat chaotically and irregularly. This leads to the chambers beating out of coordination with the two lower chambers of the heart Heart palpitations, shortness or breath and weakness often occurs at the same time
Atrial Fibrillation has also been referred to as AFib or AF The effects of a quivering or irregular heartbeat often leads to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart related complications. It is estimated that 2.7 million Americans are currently living with AFib.Individuals diagnosed with AFib have complained of dizziness, weakness, and fatigue.
Normal hearts contract and relax in a regular beat, however, in atrial fibrillation there is an uneven irregular heart beat some times referred to as a quiver. The manner of the heart working may lead to a stroke as clots do not form correctly nor flow in blood stream which leads to a stroke. Individuals are often put on blood thinners to prevent strokes.
Atrial fibrillation symptoms can come and go. They may also come and stay and never go away. Atrial Fibrillation is not normally life threatening it is still a serious medical condition that often requires treatment and at times emergency treatment. There are 4 levels of Atrial fibrillation:
- Occasional where the individual may experience symptoms that come and go. They normally last a few minutes to hours and then stop on their own
- Persistent atrial fibrillation is more than occasional as the heart rhythm will not go back on its own. Treatment such as electrical shock or medications will be needed to restore heart rhythm.
- Atrial fibrillation that is long lasting is often continuous and last more than 12 months.
- Permanent atrial fibrillation occurs when the abnormal heart rhythm can't be restored. This type often requires medications to control the heart rate
Risk factors of Atrial Fibrillation include
- The older an individual is the greater the risk of atrial fibrillation
- heart disease such as heart valve problems, congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease or previous heart attack or heart surgery leaves an individual to a risk of atrial fibrillation
- high blood pressure that is uncontrolled can increase risk
- chronic conditions such as thyroid problems, seep apnea, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or lung disease can all increase risk of atrial fibrillation
- drinking alcohol or obesity may have higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
- family history
Its always interesting to realize you hear terms every day and think you know what it means, but don't.
ReplyDeleteoh wow, this is new to me, I didn't know about Atrial fibrillation. This is really informative blog and especially converning health.
ReplyDeletethis is one of the reason why we need to visit doctors even if we're not sick.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post that explains everything in such a concise and easy manner. AFib is one of the few heart diseases which can be easily managed with proper diagnosis and drugs.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post especially for someone like me who has a great deal of this in their family. It is something I always need to be aware of and watchful for.
ReplyDeleteI've heard that term so many times but never really knew what it meant. Thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteThis is really important information to share. I have several family members with heart issues and it's something that we all watch very closely. Good to know the signs to look out for. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSomething I definitely need to pass on to mother in law.
ReplyDeleteI really was not familiar with what this was but have heard it before. This was such a great explanation.
ReplyDeleteIt is so important to have this information out there. This explanation was so much more simple than what I have read in the past.
ReplyDeleteThis was really interesting information to learn. You hear these terms all the tie but don't always know what they mean
ReplyDeleteI am all too familiar with this. Definitely accurate information. Do you know if this occurs more in males than females?
ReplyDeleteI never knew this and thanks for sharing this valuable information. It is always best to check for our health.
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