What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is a heart arrhythmia, or a problem with the speed or rhythm of your heartbeat. It’s caused by a disorder of your heart’s electrical system. Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include:
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations or abnormal rapid heartbeats
- Dizziness or fainting
- Chest pain
- Weakness or difficulty exercising
- Fatigue
- Confusion
Atrial fibrillation might be occasional or persistent. Complications associated with the disease include heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.
What causes atrial fibrillation?
The cause of atrial fibrillation isn’t always entirely clear. It might be due to heart abnormalities or damage caused by:
- A heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease
- Congenital heart defects
- Heart valve abnormalities
- Stimulants, such as caffeine
- Certain medications
- Lung diseases
- Pneumonia or other illnesses
- Previous heart surgery
Risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation include older age, heart disease, obesity, excessive alcohol use, and family history of atrial fibrillation.
What is the treatment for atrial fibrillation?
Your doctor reviews your medical history, completes a physical exam, and uses blood tests, imaging tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG), or other heart tests to diagnose your condition.
Your atrial fibrillation treatment might include taking medications that control your heart rate or rhythm, or medicines that prevent blood clots. Your doctor may recommend electrically shocking your heart or surgical procedures to correct atrial fibrillation.
How can I prevent atrial fibrillation?
You can’t always prevent atrial fibrillation, but there are several things you can do to lower your risk of developing it. Examples include:
- Eat a heart-healthy, nutritious diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get regular exercise
- Avoid smoking
- Limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Reduce stress
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol
Regular follow-up appointments with your cardiologist are crucial so he can monitor atrial fibrillation and make sure your treatment is working as it should. Call to schedule an appointment with Sunnyvale Cardiology at the first sign of atrial fibrillation or book an appointment online today.
