Understanding Atrial Fibrillation and Its Impact on Heart Health
This article provides a comprehensive overview of atrial fibrillation (AFib), explaining its symptoms, causes, and types. It emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis to prevent serious complications like strokes and heart failure, highlighting key signs and the significance of medical intervention for different AFib classifications.
Approximately 2.7 million Americans are affected by Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), yet many remain unaware of its severity or even its existence. Raising awareness about AFib is crucial, as early detection can prevent life-threatening complications. AFib causes the heart to beat irregularly or quiver, which can lead to dangerous issues like blood clots, strokes, and heart failure. Recognizing symptoms and understanding the types of AFib can help individuals seek timely medical intervention.
What occurs during AFib?
Normally, the heart contracts and relaxes in a steady rhythm, with each chamber pumping blood efficiently. The right atrium moves blood into the ventricle, and during relaxation, blood flows into the left atrium, circulating through the body. Heart sounds result from valve closures. However, in AFib, the upper chambers (atria) quiver instead of contracting properly, disrupting the cardiac cycle.
This malfunction can create irregular heartbeat patterns, especially influenced by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. It increases the risk of blood clots forming, which can block arteries and cause heart attacks. Notably, 15-20% of stroke patients have experienced AFib, emphasizing its serious nature.
Symptoms to watch for
Patients often describe their heartbeat as fluttering or skipping, with some feeling their heart pounding or irregularly beating, especially during physical activity. Additional symptoms might include nausea, weakness, dizziness, anxiety, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, or chest pain—a potential sign of a heart attack and a medical emergency.
Types of AFib
Several variations of AFib exist:
Paroxysmal AFib - Episodes resolve spontaneously within days.
Persistent AFib - Lasts longer than a week and may require treatment.
Long-standing AFib - Irregular heartbeat persists for over a year.
Permanent AFib - Continues indefinitely, with no rhythm restoration efforts.
Non-valvular AFib - Occurs without valve disease involvement.
