The heart is the most important organ in the body. When something goes wrong with the heart, the consequences can be terrifying and extremely severe. One of the most potentially serious problems with the heart is a condition known as atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is also known as AFib. Atrial fibrillation is what happens when the heart has an irregular heart beat. The heart may beat rapidly. During this process, both of the heart's upper chambers beat out of sync with the heart's other chambers. As the top two chambers are known as the atria, this condition is known as atrial fibrillation. People might notice this condition when they are engaged in great physical effort or they might have this condition when they are at rest. Atrial fibrillation is a common issue. Millions of people will suffer from it at some point in time. It is important to understand it if you are afflicted.
Causes of AFib
The heart has four chambers. There are two upper chambers and two lower chambers. Each one plays an important role in how the organ functions. The atria are the upper sections of the heart while the lower parts of the heart are known as ventricles. Your body has a natural pacemaker that sets the tone for the heart. This is called a sinus node. The sinus node consists of a group of cells. They signal the heart to beat to a certain rhythm that all four chambers should follow. This signal goes through a path that connects the parts of the heart. It is the atrioventricular node. That is how blood gets delivered.
In those with Afib, these signals go awry. The result is your heart does not beat as it should. You can have a heart that is beating much too fast. The lower parts of your heart will beat but not beat as fast as the atria. That sets up a very dangerous condition that can cause all kinds of potentially dangerous problems.
Signs and Symptoms of AFib
While AFib presents differently in many people, in general there are certain signs and symptoms that might indicate this problem for any person. It is important to be aware of such signs if you are at risk. It is also important to be aware of such signs if you notice any change in your heartbeat over time. Certain symptoms are general things you might notice while others are more specific to this condition.
The kind of general symptoms you might feel if you have this condition include feeling very tired, weakness, a lack of energy and a feel of fatigue when you are trying to exercise. You might also feel dizzy or lightheaded because blood is not being pumped to other organs in your body. Shortness of breath and a sense of anxiety are also common with this condition. Other symptoms can be traced to your heart. For example, if you have this condition, you might notice a very rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations. You might also be aware that your heart is beating when you normally never notice it. Chest pain along with pressure and discomfort are also quite common when you have this condition.
Treating AFib
Atrial fibrillation is a serious medical condition that ideally requires immediate medical attention. If you think you have it, make a doctor's appointment. Over time, this can lead to an increased risk of all kinds of problems including a heart attack and stroke
Treating it typically takes different forms. The overall goal is to reset the heart's rhythm so that it beats as it should. You might be treated with an electrical cardioversion. This is when a shock is delivered to your heart to make it function normally again. You'll be sedated when this happens. You might also be treated with medications used to get the heart in the right rhythm again. During this time, you'll be closely monitored to make sure nothing goes wrong. The long term goal is to prevent this from happening again. Many doctors suggest making other changes to prevent further attacks. This may include dietary changes as well as reducing consumption of alcohol and stopping smoking.