Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia that occurs when the heart's electrical signals are disrupted, causing the atria (the upper chambers of the heart) to beat irregularly and out of sync with the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart).

At West Houston Heart Center, we understand the importance of educating our patients about AFib, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about this common heart condition.

Symptoms of AFib

The symptoms of AFib can vary from person to person, but they often include:

• Irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Heart palpitations or fluttering in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue or weakness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest pain or discomfort

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Causes of AFib

AFib can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Age: The risk of AFib increases with age, especially after the age of 60.
• High blood pressure: Chronic high blood pressure can cause damage to the heart, leading to AFib.
• Heart disease: Conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, or congenital heart defects can increase the risk of AFib.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese can strain the heart and increase the risk of AFib.
• Alcohol consumption: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can trigger AFib in some people.
• Family history: AFib can run in families, so having a family member with the condition can increase your risk.

Treatment for AFib

The treatment for AFib depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include:

• Medications: Medications such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and blood thinners can help manage AFib and reduce the risk of stroke.
• Cardioversion: This procedure uses electrical shocks or medications to restore the heart's normal rhythm.
• Catheter ablation: This procedure uses a catheter to deliver radiofrequency energy or cryotherapy to the heart tissue to destroy the abnormal electrical pathways causing AFib.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged heart valves or treat other underlying heart conditions.

Prevention of AFib

While some risk factors for AFib, such as age and family history, cannot be controlled, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing high blood pressure and diabetes
• Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
• Exercising regularly
• Not smoking

In conclusion, AFib is a common heart condition that can be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle changes. If you are experiencing any symptoms of AFib or have any concerns about your heart health, be sure to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. At West Houston Heart Center, our team of cardiac specialists is dedicated to providing high-quality care to our patients and helping them maintain a healthy heart.