Millions of Americans live with atrial fibrillation or AFib. It’s one of the most common types of an arrhythmia, also known as an irregular heartbeat. SSM Health cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Miro Peev says the condition is caused by the abnormal firing of electrical impulses to the atria or top chambers of the heart. The abnormal rhythm can put you at risk for other health concerns.
“AFib is a serious condition that can lead to blood clots in the heart, devastating strokes or heart failure,” says Dr. Peev. “It’s a chaotic beating of the upper chamber of the heart. The upper chamber is essentially quivering and not functioning effectively.”
AFib symptoms
There are several types of AFib, each determined by the length of the arrhythmia and the underlying cause. Though some people with AFib may not have noticeable symptoms, others may experience:
- fatigue
- palpitations
- dizziness
- shortness of breath
- weakness
- faintness or confusion
- fatigue when exercising
- sweating
- chest pain or pressure
AFib treatments
Treating AFib can depend on a variety of factors including how long you’ve had the condition, your symptoms and the cause of the issue.
“There are three key components in the treatment of AFib” according to Dr. Peev. “First, there are medications called beta blockers that slow the heart rate. Then, there are medications that act as blood thinners and prevent clots from building. Last, but not least, there’s surgical ablation, which is a procedure where we use small burns or freezes to cause some scarring on the inside of the heart to help break up the electrical signals that cause irregular heartbeats.”
AFib prevention
AFib could be caused by disorders affecting the heart valves, thyroid disease as well as an underlying structural issue within the heart.
To reduce your risk, Dr. Peev recommends maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle by getting regular exercise, keeping a healthy weight, eating at a diet low in salt and saturated/trans fats and controlling your cholesterol levels.
Watch Dr. Peev’s recent television interview about AFib on Madison, Wisconsin’s ABC affiliate WKOW.
If you’re experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1. In a non-emergency situation, find a physician to evaluate your heart and get back to an active, enjoyable life.
