Atrial fibrillation, often called AFib, is one of the most common heart rhythm disorders affecting adults today. It happens when the top chambers of the heart, called the atria, beat erratically and out of sync with the lower chambers. This irregular rhythm can reduce the heart’s efficiency and increase the risk of serious complications. Learning to recognize the signs, understand the risks, and explore treatment options can make a major difference in long-term heart health.
What Happens During Atrial Fibrillation
In a healthy heart, electrical signals travel in a steady pattern that keeps the heartbeat regular. During atrial fibrillation, these signals become chaotic. Instead of a smooth and coordinated contraction, the atria quiver. This can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or unpredictably. Because blood is not pumped as effectively, it may pool in the heart, increasing the chance of clot formation.
AFib episodes may be occasional, persistent, or long-lasting. Some people experience brief periods that stop on their own, while others need medical care to restore a normal rhythm.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Atrial fibrillation does not always cause obvious symptoms. In some cases, it is discovered during a routine checkup. However, many people notice changes in how they feel. Common symptoms include heart palpitations, which feel like a racing, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat. Shortness of breath is common, especially during physical exercise or while lying down.
Other signs can include fatigue, dizziness, chest discomfort, and reduced ability to exercise. Because these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, it is important to seek evaluation if they occur regularly or suddenly worsen. Early assessment by qualified professionals, including Denver cardiologists, can help confirm a diagnosis and prevent complications.
Risk Factors and Potential Complications
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation. Age is a major factor, as the condition becomes more common in older adults. High blood pressure, heart valve disease, coronary artery disease, and previous heart surgery also raise the risk. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, heavy alcohol use, smoking, and untreated sleep apnea contribute as well.
The most dangerous complication of AFib is a stroke. When blood accumulates in the atria, clots can form. If a clot reaches the brain, it can impede blood flow and cause a stroke. People with atrial fibrillation have a significantly higher risk of having a stroke than those with normal heart rhythms. Another issue is cardiac failure, which occurs when the heart weakens over time as a result of inadequate function.
How Atrial Fibrillation Is Diagnosed
To make a diagnosis, a physical exam is frequently performed after a review of symptoms and medical history. An electrocardiogram, or ECG, is the main test used to detect irregular heart rhythms. Because AFib can come and go, doctors may recommend a portable monitor worn for days or weeks to capture episodes.
Additional tests such as echocardiograms, blood work, and imaging studies may be used to identify underlying causes or assess heart function. A thorough evaluation helps guide treatment decisions.
Treatment Options for AFib
Treatment for atrial fibrillation focuses on three main goals: controlling heart rate, restoring or maintaining normal rhythm, and reducing stroke risk. Medications are often the first step. Drugs that slow the heart rate help it beat more efficiently, while antiarrhythmic medications may help maintain a regular rhythm.
Blood-thinning medications play a crucial role in preventing clots and lowering stroke risk. For some patients, procedures are recommended. Electrical cardioversion uses a controlled shock to reset the heart rhythm. Catheter ablation targets the areas of heart tissue causing abnormal signals, offering longer-term rhythm control for certain individuals.
Lifestyle changes are also important. Managing blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and treating sleep disorders all support better heart rhythm control.
Living Well With Atrial Fibrillation
Although atrial fibrillation is a chronic condition for many, proper management allows people to lead active and fulfilling lives. Regular follow-up, medication adherence, and heart-healthy habits are key. With early recognition and appropriate care, the risks associated with AFib can be significantly reduced, protecting both heart function and overall well-being.