1. The Fibrillating Heart
Atrial fibrillation (A fib) is an abnormal heart rhythm, can be intermittent or chronic and affects about 4 percent of people over the age of 65. The most common causes are hypertensive heart disease, heart attack, heart valve disease and chronic lung disease. This condition is the result of the two upper chambers of the heart, known as the atria, receiving confused electrical signals and contracting in a fast, unorganized quiver. The result is an erratic, ineffective emptying of the atria into the ventricles, which are the lower chambers of the heart. The lack of coordination between the upper and lower chambers results in a rapid ventricular response to try to keep up with the fibrillating atria.
2. Don't Ignore Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms
Atrial fibrillation may not produce symptoms initially, but if it's left untreated, it can lead to serious complications. You may notice a flip-flop feeling, or a rapidly pounding heartbeat, sweating, dizziness and pressure or pain in your chest. This is due to the rapid heart rate associated with untreated atrial fibrillation, which results in a greater demand for oxygen from the ventricles. If the coronary arteries are unable to supply the needed oxygen, you will become symptomatic.
3. Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure can result when the fibrillating heart beats too fast, and is unable to pump all of the blood from its chambers. The backflow of blood causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs, producing symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling in the lower extremities or heaviness in the chest, which is a dangerous situation that requires immediate medical attention.
4. Prevent a Stroke
Stroke is a concern because of the risk that the pooled blood in the left atria may form clots, which when pumped into the ventricle can enter the circulation causing an obstruction in a small vessel. The most dangerous place for a clot is in the brain, but they can travel to other areas of the body such as the eyes, kidneys or arteries of the arms or legs. Since a stroke can occur without any forewarning, it's important that your atrial fibrillation be kept under control, and that you take your medication as prescribed.
5. Treat Your Atrial Fibrillation and Live a Normal Life
The treatment for atrial fibrillation depends on the cause, severity and other existing health conditions, such as heart disease or history of a stroke. For mild symptoms, medication may be enough to keep your heart rate under control. The goal is to restore the heart to a normal rate and rhythm, and prevent blood clots from forming. Chances are you'll also receive a blood thinner such as aspirin or Coumadin, as long as you have this condition. Your health care provider will also suggest that you eliminate irritants such as caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. With a sudden onset of atrial fibrillation that produces symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain, your physician may decide to treat you with cardioversion. This procedure delivers an electric shock to your heart in an attempt to return it to a normal rhythm. Although it sounds a little frightening, it's often an outpatient procedure, and many people don't remember feeling anything because of the type of medication given prior to the cardioversion.
