Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots in the heart. A-fib increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
Atrial fibrillation, often called AFib or AF, is the most common type of treated heart arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is when the heart beats too slowly, too fast, or in an irregular way.
Life insurance companies generally consider AFib as a pre-existing medical condition. They will also take into account factors such as the severity of the condition, the age of onset, and any related complications.
Although it can cause chest pain and other symptoms that are similar to a heart attack, atrial fibrillation doesn't lead to a heart attack. Instead, a heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when the coronary artery, which supplies blood to the heart, becomes blocked, depriving the heart of vital blood and oxygen.
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.
The mean interval from initial diagnosis of atrial fibrillation to death was 25.2±9.5 years (range, 2.5 to 42.2 years).
A noticeable rapid or slow heartbeat, worse-than-normal tiredness or an inability to complete a regular exercise routine should lead to a referral to a cardiac specialist and treatment if AFib is diagnosed.
Atrial fibrillation is most often caused by changes to the heart's tissue or the electrical signaling that helps the heartbeat.
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.
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.
Atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure are morbid conditions that share common risk factors and frequently coexist. Each condition predisposes to the other, and the concomitant presence of the two identifies individuals at increased risk for mortality.
Heart attack
People with Afib have a higher chance of . A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked. Signs of a heart attack can be similar to Afib symptoms. They include shortness of breath and chest pain or discomfort.
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.
drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, particularly binge drinking. being overweight (read about how to lose weight) drinking lots of caffeine, such as tea, coffee or energy drinks. taking illegal drugs, particularly amphetamines or cocaine.
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.
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 can usually be treated with medication, but some people don't respond to treatment, so a pacemaker may be recommended. Sometimes people with atrial fibrillation can have a much slower pulse rate than normal, which can also be intermittent (not continuous).
No, atrial fibrillation (AFib) cannot be cured. Unless there is a clearly identified and reversible cause that is treated, there is always the risk of redeveloping atrial fibrillation.
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.
Atrial fibrillation is a progressive condition that tends to worsen over time. It's important to know that atrial fibrillation sometimes causes no symptoms at all.
Both atrial fibrillation and anxiety can lead to irregular heart rhythms, known as arrhythmia. Anxiety may contribute to some heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation.
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.