Atrial Fibrillation – Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular heart rhythm condition. In AFib, the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat chaotically and out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles).
This common arrhythmia often causes the heart to beat unusually fast. Many people with AFib experience symptoms such as:
- Rapid, pounding heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Light-headedness
- Fatigue
AFib episodes can be occasional, persistent, or permanent, depending on the severity of the condition.
While AFib itself isn’t typically life-threatening, it requires proper medical attention because it significantly increases the risk of:
- Stroke – When blood pools in the atria, clots can form and travel to the brain.
- Heart failure – The heart weakens over time, reducing its efficiency.
- Other cardiac complications – AFib can contribute to other heart rhythm disorders.
Treatment strategies for atrial fibrillation (AFib) are tailored to the unique characteristics of each patient. Options include:
| Treatment Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medications | Blood thinners, rhythm control drugs |
| Procedures | Electrical Cardioversion (shock therapy) |
| Interventions | Catheter ablation to block faulty signals |
Atrial flutter is a related condition that often occurs alongside AFib and requires similar treatment strategies.
Signs and Symptoms
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) can cause various symptoms, though some people may not notice any signs at all. Common symptoms include:
- Heart palpitations (fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat)
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Unusual tiredness
- Trouble breathing
- Weakness
- Limited exercise ability
AFib can appear in different patterns:
- Occasional (Paroxysmal) AFib: Symptoms come and go, lasting from minutes to hours, or up to a week. Episodes may happen repeatedly and may resolve on their own.
- Persistent AFib: An irregular heartbeat that doesn’t stop on its own.
- Long-standing/Persistent AFib: Lasts longer than 12 months.
- Permanent AFib: An irregular heart rhythm that cannot be reset to normal.
When to Get Medical Help
If you notice symptoms that might be atrial fibrillation (AFib), schedule a checkup with your doctor. You may be referred to a heart specialist (cardiologist) for further evaluation and treatment.
Important: If you experience chest pain, seek emergency medical care right away. Chest pain could signal a heart attack, which requires urgent attention.
What Triggers Atrial Fibrillation
In a healthy heart, electrical signals flow in an organized way. They begin in the sinus node of the right atrium, move across the atria, and then pass to the ventricles through the AV node.
This creates a steady rhythm of 60–100 beats per minute. With atrial fibrillation, these signals become chaotic.
The upper chambers tremble rather than function efficiently. Too many signals try to pass through the AV node, creating a fast and irregular heartbeat that may reach 100–175 beats per minute.
Most cases of atrial fibrillation stem from structural heart problems, including:
- Heart Defects Present at Birth
- Pacemaker Issues (sick sinus syndrome)
- Heart Valve Disease
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart Attack Damage
- Coronary Artery Disease (narrowed heart arteries)
Other health conditions that can trigger atrial fibrillation include:
| Medical Causes | Lifestyle Triggers |
|---|---|
| Sleep apnea | Alcohol consumption |
| Thyroid problems, especially overactive | Excessive caffeine intake |
| Lung diseases like pneumonia | Tobacco use |
| Viral infections | Illegal drug use |
| Stress from surgery or illness | Stimulants in over-the-counter medicines |
Some people develop atrial fibrillation without any obvious heart damage or disease. This is sometimes called “lone atrial fibrillation.”
Risk Factors
Several factors can raise your chance of developing atrial fibrillation. These include:
- Age-related Risk: The risk increases with age.
- Substance Use: Your heart can beat faster with:
- Caffeine consumption
- Nicotine use
- Illegal drugs (especially amphetamines and cocaine)
- Excessive alcohol intake, which disrupts normal heart signals
- Mineral Imbalances: Imbalances in electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium can cause irregular heart rhythms.
- Genetic Factors: AFib can run in families, suggesting a hereditary component.
- Heart Conditions:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve problems
- Congenital heart defects
- Previous heart attack
- Past heart surgery
- High Blood Pressure: This condition can lead to coronary artery disease and cause heart tissue to become stiff, affecting how electrical signals travel through the heart.
- Weight Issues: People with obesity face a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
- Chronic Health Conditions:
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Lung disease
- Sleep apnea
- Medications: Some prescription drugs and over-the-counter cough and cold remedies may trigger irregular heartbeats.
- Thyroid problems: An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) increases the risk of developing heart rhythm issues.
Complications
Blood clots pose a serious danger for people with atrial fibrillation (AFib). When the heart beats irregularly, blood can pool and form clots that may travel to the brain, causing a stroke.
The risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation (AFib) escalates as we age. Several other health factors can make strokes more likely in AFib patients:
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart Failure
- Certain Heart Valve Diseases
Preventing Heart Issues
Making good choices can lower your risk of heart problems like atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are key ways to keep your heart healthy:
Manage Health Conditions
- Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes under control.
- Take medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Daily Habits
- Stay tobacco-free.
- Choose foods low in salt and unhealthy fats.
- Exercise for 30 minutes on most days. Make sure to get approval from your doctor.
Lifestyle Factors
- Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition.
- Find healthy ways to handle stress, such as meditation or hobbies.
These simple changes can significantly improve your heart health and reduce AFib episodes.
