Frequent urination (every 20 minutes or so) often occurs during the early phase of an episode and is due to the release of atrial natriuretic peptide from the fibrillating atria.
AFib can lead to blood clots in the heart. The condition also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
If you notice that your AFib episodes happen more often, last longer, or your medication doesn't help as much, your condition is probably getting worse.
With the right treatment and regular management, most people with persistent atrial fibrillation can live active, healthy lives. The longer persistent Afib goes without treatment, however, the harder it is to manage. It may become permanent or lead to severe complications such as blood clots or stroke.
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.
Whether from consuming excess caffeine or alcohol or a lack of water, dehydration is a very common trigger for atrial fibrillation. Caffeine and alcohol are powerful diuretics, which means if a person doesn't drink enough supplemental water, they can become dehydrated, which can lead to episodes of atrial fibrillation.
Overall survival of patients with lone atrial fibrillation was 92% and 68% at 15 and 30 years, respectively, similar to the 86% and 57% rates for the age- and sex-matched Minnesota population (P=0.12, log-rank test; Figure 3A). Of the 76 patients with lone atrial fibrillation, 27 died during the 30-year follow-up.
Cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death (38.5%), and cerebral infarction was the most common specific disease. Patients with atrial fibrillation had an about 5 times increased risk of death due to cardiovascular disease compared with the general population.
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).
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.
Living with atrial fibrillation
AF is a life-long condition that changes over time but there are things you can do to help manage your condition.
Atrial fibrillation can also lead to heart failure. Heart failure is a condition in which your heart can't circulate enough blood to meet your body's needs. Afib's irregular, fast heart beat leads to ineffective pumping of the blood which – especially if not controlled – may weaken the heart.
The risk for AFib increases with age. High blood pressure, the risk for which also increases with advancing age, accounts for about 1 in 5 cases of AFib.
Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are the drugs of choice because they provide rapid rate control.
The most obvious symptom of atrial fibrillation is heart palpitations – where the heart feels like it's pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly, often for a few seconds or possibly a few minutes.
Many people with atrial fibrillation, or AFib, live normal lives and one episode of AFib usually is not fatal. But atrial fibrillation can cause strokes, which can be deadly. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates there are more than 750,000 hospitalizations and 130,000 deaths due to AFib each year.
Athletes: AFib is common in athletes and can be triggered by a rapid heart rate called a supraventricular tachycardia. Other chronic conditions: People with hyperthyroidism, diabetes, asthma and other chronic medical problems also are at risk.
In some people, V-fib may happen several times a day. This is called an “electrical storm.” Because sustained V-fib can lead to cardiac arrest and death, it requires immediate medical attention.
In a long-term scenario, living with Afib can make you feel as if your heart is flip-flopping or skipping beats. Whether or not Afib shortens a person's lifespan depends on whether or not he or she can get their heart rate and anticoagulation under control. If controlled, then Afib doesn't shorten a person's lifespan.
If you still do not feel better, call your family doctor who may want to adjust your medicines. If you still feel the same way 24 hours later, and you have not seen or spoken to a health care provider, it is reasonable to go to the hospital. Just remember, AFib is not usually an emergency.
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.
In general, the consensus seems to be that sleeping on your left side is better for most people. It may reduce GERD and sleep apnea more than sleeping on your right side. The only exception is that people with congestive heart failure or heart palpitations might benefit from sleeping on their right sides.
Your sleeping position could be part of the problem if you have paroxysmal AFib. One study found that people who slept on their left sides reported more symptoms. This position may put more stress on your heart.
Atrial fibrillation that goes undiagnosed or is left untreated can cause serious and even life-threatening complications, including stroke and heart failure. The most common symptom of atrial fibrillation is fatigue, or extreme tiredness. Other symptoms include: Low blood pressure.