Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a heart rhythm disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria, beat irregularly and rapidly. ¹ This can lead to a number of problems, including an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart problems.

Symptoms of Afib

Many people with Afib experience no symptoms at all. However, some people may experience the following:

• Palpitations: A feeling that the heart is racing, fluttering, or pounding.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during exertion.
• Weakness: Feeling weak or lightheaded.
• Chest pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest.
• Dizziness or fainting: Loss of consciousness.

Causes of Afib

The exact cause of Afib is often unknown, but there are a number of risk factors that can increase your chances of developing the condition. These include:

• Age: The risk of Afib increases with age.
• High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the heart muscle, making it more likely to develop Afib.
• Heart disease: People with heart disease, such as coronary artery disease or heart failure, are at increased risk of Afib.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can damage the nerves that control the heart, making it more likely to develop Afib.
• Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for a number of health problems, including Afib.
• Smoking: Smoking can damage the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of Afib.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can also increase the risk of Afib.
• Family history: If you have a family history of Afib, you are more likely to develop the condition.

Diagnosis of Afib

If you are experiencing symptoms of Afib, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and order some tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) or echocardiogram. An EKG is a test that measures the electrical activity of your heart, while an echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create images of your heart.

Treatment of Afib

The treatment for Afib will depend on your symptoms and overall health. Some people with Afib may not require any treatment at all. However, others may need medication or surgery to control their heart rhythm.

Medications

There are a number of medications that can be used to treat Afib. These include:

• Antiarrhythmic medications: These medications help to control the heart rate and rhythm.
• Blood thinners: Blood thinners can help to reduce the risk of stroke in people with Afib.
• Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers can help to slow the heart rate and reduce blood pressure.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat Afib. This may include:

• Catheter ablation: This procedure uses radiofrequency energy to destroy the areas of the heart that are causing the irregular rhythm.
• Maze procedure: This surgery creates a series of small incisions in the heart to help restore normal heart rhythm.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to medication and surgery, there are a number of lifestyle changes that you can make to help manage Afib. These include:

• Eating a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of heart problems.
• Exercising regularly: Exercise can help to improve your heart health and reduce your risk of Afib.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help to reduce your risk of Afib.
• Avoiding smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for Afib, so it is important to quit smoking if you smoke.
• Limiting alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of Afib.
• Managing stress: Stress can worsen Afib symptoms, so it is important to find healthy ways to manage stress.

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