A-fib Explained

What Is A-fib and What Can it Lead To?

The most common of all heart conditions resulting in an abnormal rhythm, atrial fibrillation or a-fib happens when the upper chambers of the heart twitch or quiver too quickly, resulting in a heartbeat that is irregular. While some patients do not experience symptoms, or their symptoms are mild, other patients experience symptoms like racing heartbeat, feeling sick or exhausted, having shortness of breath, feeling dizzy, lightheaded or even fainting, and experiencing heart palpitations. This condition itself is not life threatening, but if left untreated, a-fib can lead to many more complicated and serious issues. These include an increase in the likelihood of blood clots, the potential for strokes going up, the heart’s muscles becoming weak and thus unable to pump properly, potential eventual heart failure and permanent disabilities.

Why Does A-fib Occur?

There are many different types of risk factors for developing this condition, and needing A-fib treatment Washington DC. These factors are not the same for everyone, and recent studies have shown that women are more likely to suffer from this condition than men, but it’s a good idea to be prepared and understand that if you have or experience any of the following, you should consider that you’re more likely to develop atrial fibrillation over time.

- This condition impacts the lives of people that are typically over 60 years of age.

- Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease and chronic lung disease raise the likelihood that you’ll experience a-fib at some point in your life.

- Prior heart attacks and coronary artery disease along with other heart conditions like having open heart surgery, untreated atrial fluttering, or even structural heart disease also compound the issue, and can lead to an onset of a-fib.

- Serious illnesses and infections make it more likely that individuals will develop this condition.

- If you excessively consume alcohol or drugs, it’s likely that your heart will be stressed and is more likely to beat out of regular rhythm.

- Obesity is one of the newest likely causes of atrial fibrillation, as being overweight will put extra stress on the body, and an unhealthy diet can cause arteries to narrow and the blood to thicken, with extra pressure put on the heart to pump blood through a larger area.

Since so many different things can cause the condition to manifest, it’s important to understand the risks and options, making it necessary to consult with someone that provides A-fib treatment Washington DC so that you can get back into good health and begin making the right choices for your personal health.