What is A-Fib?
The complete term for afib is atrial fibrillation and it occurs when the heart is unable to adequately pump the blood that flows through the chambers. It requires a medical diagnosis, so make an appointment with your healthcare professional to confirm if you have afib.
Many people have Afib but are unaware of it. They attribute it to being physically out of shape or not feeling well. Between 15 to 30 percent of people have afib but don't have any symptoms. How do you know if you have afib?
What are the Symptoms of A-Fib?
Often, afib will present asymptomatically, so an individual may have it but be unaware of it. Those who have symptoms may experience any or all of the following:
- Confusion or faintness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Inability to exercise
- Irregular, rapid heartbeat
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Thumping or fluttering in the chest
The presence of any or all of these symptoms doesn't confirm the presence of afib, but they should be checked. Those who experience any or all of these should probably make an appointment with their medical professional.
There are four types:
- Paroxysmal afib:
This type of afib is intermittent and may last for a few minutes or for several days. Usually, paroxysmal afib occurs in the left upper chamber in the heart and has noticeable symptoms. - Persistent afib:
When an episode of afib lasts for more than a week and doesn't subside without treatment, then it's known as persistent afib. It can be treated on an inpatient basis with cardiac ablation surgery, which is considered major surgery and has varying degrees of efficacy. - Persistent afib:
This type of afib lasts for more than a year. It doesn't abate with treatment and used to be termed permanent afib. It's more difficult to treat since it's often caused by a structural defect in a heart valve. - Secondary afib:
The most common type of afib in the U.S. is secondary afib, which is caused by other conditions such as sleep apnea, alcohol abuse, aging, and poor lifestyle habits. This type of afib often goes away when the underlying cause is eliminated.
How is A-Fib Diagnosed?
There are several diagnostic tools available for afib but the methods used will typically depend on the answers to the doctor's questions since other issues can mimic the signs of afib. Common diagnostic tests include:
- Chest x-ray: An x-ray can provide an image of the heart and lungs so the doctor can determine their physical condition.
- Blood tests: These can confirm or eliminate other issues such as a thyroid disorder which can lead to the same symptoms as afib.
- EKG: An EKG is non-invasive and uses electrode patches to indicate the activities of the heart.
- Holter monitor: A Holter monitor is worn for 24 hours or longer and continuously records the heart's activities.
- Event recorder: Similar to a Holter monitor, an event recorder records sporadically and is worn for 30 days or longer. The wearer presses a button when they feel their symptoms appear.
- Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to determine the motion, size, and structure of the heart.
- Stress test: A stress test is used while an individual is exercising vigorously and indicates the function of the heart when it's under duress.
How is A-Fib Treated?
The type of afib treatment an individual receives will depend on the type of afib they have. The goals of any treatment protocol are to reset or control the heart rhythm and rate, and to prevent blood clots that may precipitate a stroke. Treatment protocols include prescription medications, therapy, catheterization, or surgery.
Medications:
- Anti-arrhythmic drugs maintain a normal heart rhythm but not the rate at which the heart beats.
- Beta blockers can slow the heart rate.
- Blood thinners can reduce the risk of a stroke by thinning the blood, which makes it easier for it to flow through the body.
- Calcium channel blockers maintain an even heart rate but aren't appropriate for those with hypotension or heart failure.
- Digoxin controls the resting heart rate but isn't as effective during activity.
Cardioversion therapy:
Cardioversion therapy can be performed mechanically or through medication in an IV or pill form. Electrical cardioversion sends electrical shocks to the heart so that the heart rhythm will be reset. The IV method uses drugs to accomplish the same objective. Cardioversion is considered an inpatient procedure and is usually in a hospital. It's also sometimes performed as an emergency procedure. Subsequent to cardioversion, the patient is on lifelong anti-arrhythmic medication, and there's no guarantee that afib won't return.
Cardiac ablation: Cardiac ablation uses heat or extreme cold to scar the heart muscle and restore a normal heartbeat. This technique is also occasionally used during open-heart surgery. There are several types of cardiac ablation, and the doctor will determine the best type for the individual, depending on their unique circumstances. This procedure isn't always effective, and afib may return. Those who have cardiac ablation will need to take blood thinners for life.
Can A-Fib be Prevented?
Although anyone can develop afib at any time, there are lifestyle habits that can help maintain a healthy heart such as:
- Eat a healthy diet that's good for your heart. It should include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercise as it's age-appropriate.
- Maintain healthy blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol levels.
- Limit alcohol consumption or don't drink at all.
- Stop smoking.
- Follow the doctor's advice so that your heart stays healthy.
Although there's no guarantee that afib won't develop, taking precautions such as the above can reduce the likelihood of its occurrence.
