Atrial Fibrillation: Symptoms, Risks, and When to Seek Help

What Is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is the most common treated type of heart arrhythmia. Irregular, rapid heartbeats are characteristic of abnormal electrical activity in the upper two chambers of the heart (the atria). Think of the orchestra: instead of one conductor, many musicians are playing their own tune, resulting in a loss of rhythm and noise rather than music. As a result of the irregular heartbeat, blood flow through the heart becomes unstable, increasing the risk of clot formation. 

This illustration shows a normal heartbeat and an irregular heartbeat.

A report from the American Heart Association in 2019 shows that more than 454.000 hospitalized patients were primarily diagnosed as AFib each year in the US. Additionally, AFib is a leading cause of blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.

Many people with AFib can live an active everyday life when they understand their symptoms, risk factors, why AFib matters, and when to seek help.

Common Symptoms Patients May Notice

In some cases, people don’t experience any symptoms and only learn of their condition during a check-up or physical examination. While many people may have one or more of the following symptoms:

Typical Symptoms

• Fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue or weakness

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Chest discomfort or pain

• Reduced ability to exercise

Less Obvious or Occasional Symptoms

• Anxiety or unusual chest sensations at night

• Night sweats

• Sleep disturbances

Who Is at Risk for AFib?

Anyone can develop atrial fibrillation; however, the risk increases with ageing. Therefore, people who live longer have more chances to get AFib, leading to heart-related problems and stroke.

Medical Risk Factors

• High blood pressure increases the risk of Afin if uncontrolled for prolonged periods.

• Heart-related conditions, including:

  • Valve problems.

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (heart muscle thickness).

  • Coronary artery disease (narrowed or blocked arteries).

  • A history of heart attack. 

  • Recent heart surgery.

• Sleep apnea has a strong connection with AFib. Usually, treating sleep apnoea can help your AFib.

• Other long-term conditions, such as:

  • Diabetes type 2.

  • Hyperthyroidism (thyroid disease).

  • Asthma.

  • Chronic kidney disease.

• 
  

Lifestyle & Age Factors

• Older people are at higher risk than young children, but it can still happen.

• Obesity boosts your chances of developing AFib. Losing weight by 10% of your body weight can decrease your risk.

• Excessive alcohol use increases the risk of atrial fibrillation.

• Smokers have a higher risk of AFib and other heart-related illnesses.

• Family history affects your liability to have AFib.

Why AFib Is Serious: Understanding the Risks

Atrial fibrillation is a serious condition. It can cause other health problems, such as stroke (a significant risk), heart failure, other rhythm problems, and possible cognitive problems over time.

Stroke (Most Important Risk)

Atrial fibrillation is a significant risk of stroke compared to other people. They are likely to develop a stroke five times more often.

Simply, think of the heart as a flowing river, and the healthy heart has two upper rooms (atrium) like a steady flowing current. The atrium contracts vigorously and regularly to push all the blood smoothly forward, just like a river moving fast, flushing out debris.

During the AFib episode, the atrium contracts irregularly and improperly, such that a river becomes a quiet, stagnant pond. The water is no longer flowing forward; it has stopped.

Because the blood is stagnant, it pools in a small, out-of-the-way area of the heart, leading to blood thickening and the formation of blood clots.

Finally, a blood clot moves from the heart to the main blood stream, travelling up to the brain, and blocking a blood vessel. As a result, oxygen can’t reach the brain, causing an ischemic stroke.

Other Possible Complications

Heart failure:

It is the heart inablity to pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s needs. During AFib, the heart beats rapidly and irregularly, leading to improper filling and impaired blood pumping. Therefore, the heart muscles work harder and weaker, leading to heart failure.

Other Heart rhythm problems:

When the electrical system of the heart malfunctions, the heart chambers fail to function rhythmically, leading to other rhythm disturbances.

Possible cognitive decline over time:

Due to the irregular blood flow to the brain caused by AFib, there is a risk of blood clots, which can lead to abnormal brain functions and memory loss over time.

A 2023 study shows that people with untreated AFib had a 45% higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment than others.

When to Seek Medical Help

When you are diagnosed as an AFib patient, you should adhere to regular check-ups and medication. However, your doctor will guide you to understand when to seek help.

Schedule a Doctor Visit If You Notice:

• New irregular heartbeat

• Frequent palpitations

• Increasing fatigue or shortness of breath

• Recurrent dizziness

Seek Emergency Care Immediately If You Have:

Possible Heart Attack Symptoms

• Chest pain or pressure

• Pain that radiates in your arms, neck, jaw, or back

• Nausea and vomiting

• Sweaty skin

• Shortness of breath

Possible Stroke Symptoms (FAST)

• Face drooping or numbness.

• Arm weakness

• Speech difficulty, such as the inability to make clear sounds, or talking at all.

• Time for medical assistance as soon as possible.

Additionally,

• Sudden vision problems, such as blurred vision

• Severe headache

• Balance problems

Living With AFib

As mentioned earlier, AFib is a serious heart condition, but it is manageable and controllable by early check-ups, healthy habits, and medication adherence.

Early detection improves outcomes: Monitoring your heart rhythm at home is easy with smartwatches and portable small monitors. Those devices help you detect early heart rhythm abnormalities.

Regular check-ups: Routine health check-ups can help you detect arrhythmias.

Change your lifestyle: a heart-healthy lifestyle includes managing stress, having quality sleep, a healthy weight, regular exercise, and a healthy diet.

Medications and interventions: your doctor will prescribe a medication to control the frequency and severity of your AFib episodes; however, it will not treat the AFib completely. AFib is a chronic disease that requires proper adherence to medication. In some patients, a doctor may recommend a procedure such as ablation if medication is not sufficient to control their condition. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe a blood-thinning drug to prevent the risk of clot formation.

Final Takeaway

Atrial fibrillation is a common, treatable condition that requires a heart-healthy lifestyle and medication compliance. Many people with AFib live an active everyday life. However, symptoms vary from one person to another, and some people don’t have any. You should monitor your symptoms carefully and be aware of the serious ones, such as stroke and heart attack symptoms. Although stroke is a serious complication, it is preventable in most cases. Finally, early detection and treatment save many people's lives.

Author bio,

Ghada Abouelmaaty is a Freelance Medical Writer and Registered Nurse with experience in cardiac patient education and clinical care. Adapt at crafting engaging patient materials, infographics, and e-books while leveraging strong research skills across various medical topics. Committed to enhancing patient understanding and promoting health communication through evidence-based writing and practical presentation skills. 

GHADA ABOUELMAATY – Medium