Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common irregular heart rhythm
that causes the upper chambers of the heart to contract abnormally, it can cause
subtle symptoms that come and go. The signs can be so vague that you
don’t think they’re caused by a condition related to your ticker. But you could
have Atrial Fibrillation and not even know it. Sometimes individuals have no
symptoms at all, you might hear it called silent AFib.
Significance
of AFib Diagnosis:
Your heart’s upper chambers can’t fill up all the way with
blood when you have this common type of irregular heartbeat, which can lead to
clot formation. Clots can then travel to the brain and cause a stroke. It is at
a regular physical that your doctor may pick up signs of AFib. Doctors may
conduct tests, such as electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) to track the electrical
signals your heart makes as it beats, this and other tests are used to diagnose
AFib. AFib can go away on its own for some people, alternatively, others will
need treatment to prevent blood clots and strokes.
Before proceeding to AFib symptoms and risks, let’s learn
about the CPR procedure.
Proper application of the CPR procedure increases the
survival chances of cardiac arrest victims. Select a certified training site
for a CPR certification Tampa, such
as the AHA certified CPR Tampa in Florida. Experienced instructors conduct the
classes through a series of audio and video lectures and hands-on practice.
Symptoms of
Atrial Fibrillation:
AFib has many possible symptoms with some being so subtle
they may be confusing. Some of the signs of AFib includes fatigue or lack of
energy; quick or uneven pulse; shortness of breath; frequent peeing; sweating;
weakness; pain, pressure, or tightness in your chest; feel dizzy,
faint, or lightheaded; heartbeat that races, pounds, or flutters.
Risk
Factors:
You may be more likely to get AFib if you have any of these
risk factors including high blood pressure, obesity, older age, family history
of AFib, previous heart surgery, diabetes, thyroid problems, chronic kidney
disease, lung disease, sleep apnea, alcoholism and other heart conditions like
cardiovascular disease, heart valve problems, or heart failure.
If left untreated, AFib can lead to blood clots that could
cause a stroke that could be life-threatening. Furthermore, AFib’s rapid
heartbeat can weaken your heart muscle which can lead to heart failure (HF)
that’s when your ticker can’t pump enough blood to your organs. HF causes
severe fatigue, weakness, and fluid buildup in your legs and feet. Remember,
atrial fibrillation is risky even if it comes and goes, or if there are no
symptoms. Treatments can help you reset your quick or irregular heartbeat which
may help prevent blood clots thus lowering your risk for stroke.
Tools to
Check for AFib Signs:
A healthcare provider tests the heart rate and rhythm to
diagnose AFib for which an individual may need to wear a heart monitor for a
few days, weeks, or all the time to track the ticker’s activity. There are some
new devices that could be worn on the wrist or slipped into the pocket that can
alert you and your doctor to possible AFib. The tools include heart rate
trackers, heart-smart watches, smartphone apps, etc.
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