Nicole Wright

Atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) is a type of heart disease, which relates to your heartbeat and can affect the normal flow of the blood in your heart. The interruption in the blood flow increases the risks of having a stroke, heart failure, and blood clots. When it occurs to you, the two upper chambers of your atria get affected. And the disruption of blood flow expands to lower chambers and other parts of your body. It may be deadly for you if you leave it untreated for a more extended period. Here are some practical steps that can help you deal with atrial fibrillation: 1. Know what happens during AF Usually, your heart expands and relaxes when your heartbeat is normal. In AFib, your upper chambers of the atria beat irregularly. This irregular beating affects the blood flow to the lower chambers and other parts of your body. Due to the irregularity in the blood flow, the clot damages and enters to lodges and the bloodstream. As a result, you feel a stroke. 2. Be familiar with the causes of atrial fibrillation Any damage or abnormalities to the structure of your heart are the primary AF causes. Here are some possible reasons of AFib: Abnormal heart valves Ageing Any heart defects from your birth An overactive thyroid gland Coronary artery disease Exposure to stimulants, like caffeine, medications, alcohol, and tobacco Family history High blood pressure Heart attack Increased heartbeat (more than 100 beats in a minute) Lung diseases Obesity Previous heart surgery Sick sinus syndrome Stress due to surgery, pneumonia or other illnesses Sleep apnoea Viral infections 3. Be aware of atrial fibrillation symptoms Typically, AFib has no significant signs. The symptoms of atrial fibrillation are visible when you have an AF. However, an increase in the heartbeat is a usual sign of AFib. Common symptoms may include: Chest pain Low blood pressure Fainting Dizziness Breathlessness or a shortness in breath Weakness Light headache Fatigue 4. Acquainted with atrial fibrillation diagnosis You need to see your cardiologist soon if you notice frequent chest pain and irregularities in your heartbeat. Your doctor will interact closely with you to know what you notice when you have AFib. The expert will do a physical examination to check your pulse, lungs, and blood pressure. Apart from an EKG (electrocardiogram), your doctor may ask you for tests, such as holter monitor, echocardiogram, transesophageal echocardiogram, chest X-ray, and stress test. 5. Take prescribed atrial fibrillation medications correctly Based on test results, your cardiologist will decide whether your AFib is occasional, persistent, long-standing persistent, or permanent. After that, the doctor may prescribe medicines such as: Beta-blockers such as Multaq to control your heartbeat Calcium channel blockers Potassium or sodium channel blockers Blood thinners for the prevention from the clot formation Avoid taking medicines yourself and complete the dosage of the drugs your doctor has advised you. 6. Ask for the available surgery options In general, people feel relaxed and get rid of their AFib if they have the right treatment, and the stage of their AF falls in two categories – occasional and persistence. In some cases, like the permanent one, your atrial fibrillation can run for life long. You need to know the surgery options and be ready for the same if you don’t feel relaxed after completing the dose of prescribed medicines. Your doctor may advise surgical procedures like: Catheter ablation Electrical cardioversion Maze surgery Atrioventricular (AV) node ablation 7. Know what to do to stay away from AFib There is no alternative option for atrial fibrillation treatment when you suffer from it. However, you can follow a heart-healthy lifestyle to stay away from AF. For prevention, you must: Be physically active. Do the exercises that can strengthen your heart health Keep yourself away from alcoholic drinks and tobacco consumption Include fresh fruits, green vegetables, and low saturated fats in your diet Stay away from frequent caffeine intake Maintain a healthy weight Conclusion Also acknowledged as AF or AFib, atrial fibrillation is a type of heart disease with a direct link to the heartbeat. On the negligence or a delay in its treatment, you may have heart failure and stroke. To deal with AF, you must have an idea of preventive tips apart from being familiar with the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, medications, and surgery options. Your well-awareness and quick action to avail the right treatment will help you have a heart-healthy life.