There is no cure for persistent atrial fibrillation. But treatment can slow or prevent symptoms, making it easier for you to manage the condition. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol can also help reduce abnormal heart rhythms and prevent complications.
Some people with occasional A-fib need treatment. Persistent. With this type of atrial fibrillation, the heart rhythm doesn't go back to normal on its own. If a person has A-fib symptoms, cardioversion or treatment with medications may be used to restore and maintain a normal heart rhythm.
The good news is that although AF is a long-term condition, if managed correctly, you can continue to lead a long and active life. There are a number of steps you can take that will help you manage your condition, lower your risk of stroke and relieve any worries you may have.
Now the good news is, the type of heart failure that atrial fibrillation causes typically is reversible. And that if you slow the atrial fibrillation down, or get rid of it, the lower chamber of the heart commonly will recover either completely or almost completely.
If your atrial fibrillation is persistent, it may start to weaken your heart. In extreme cases, it can lead to heart failure, as your heart is unable to pump blood around your body efficiently.
Avoid saturated fat, trans fat, and salt to help control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This will also protect your blood vessels. Limit caffeine. Watch how much soda, coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate you have.
But while atrial fibrillation or AFib risk does go up as you age, this is one heart disorder that could hit at any point in life. Although the majority of AFib diagnoses happen over the age of 60, more and more young people – even teenagers and 20-somethings – are suffering from heart conditions.
Atrial fibrillation is most often caused by changes to the heart's tissue or the electrical signaling that helps the heartbeat.
Yes. Your risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder, increases as you become older. Atrial fibrillation is much more common in older adults. Atrial fibrillation can occur at any age, but when it develops in younger people, it's usually associated with other heart conditions.
Both atrial fibrillation and anxiety can lead to irregular heart rhythms, known as arrhythmia. Anxiety may contribute to some heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation.
It can happen a few times a year or as often as every day. It often becomes a permanent condition that needs regular treatment.
The basics include not smoking, following a heart-healthy Mediterranean-style diet (high in plant-based foods, fruits and vegetables, and low in saturated fats), being physically active and keeping to a normal weight (as indicated on a body-mass index chart).
Health experts agree that heavy drinking and atrial fibrillation (Afib) don't mix. That's because alcohol can trigger symptoms of the condition, such as heart palpitations.
Research over the last decade has shown a strong association between AFib and obesity, which is defined as body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. One study found that a 10% weight loss, along with managing associated risk factors such as sleep apnea and alcohol consumption, can reverse AFib progression.
Atrial fibrillation is generally not life threatening, many people live normal healthy lives with this condition, but it can be uncomfortable and often needs treatment. This condition increases your risk by about four to five times of having a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke.
Stroke. One of the biggest risks of atrial fibrillation is stroke. The irregular rhythm associated with atrial fibrillation can let blood stay behind and pool in areas of the heart. That increases the possibility of a clot that can stop blood flow partially or completely, which can then cause a stroke.
While patients who have elevated stroke risks may be able to manage symptoms of AFib — such as a racing heartbeat — with other medications or medical procedures, they will still need to take blood thinners to protect against stroke.
This type of Afib may also go away on its own, but most people with this form of Afib remain on medications to control the condition. Long-term persistent Afib is a form of persistent Afib that can last more than a year.
AFib is a progressive disease.
If left untreated, AFib may progress and get worse. 1 in 5 patients progress from paroxysmal, or occasional AFib to persistent AFib in 1 year.
A beta blocker, such as bisoprolol or atenolol, or a calcium channel blocker, such as verapamil or diltiazem, will be prescribed. The medicine you'll be offered will depend on what symptoms you're having and your general health. A medicine called digoxin may be offered if other drugs are not suitable.
Dofetilide (Tikosyn): a new drug to control atrial fibrillation.
Exercise regularly
Exercise can improve overall cardiovascular health and help restore the heart's natural rhythm. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety. Cardiovascular exercise helps strengthen the heart, which can prevent or reduce palpitations.