What is AFib?
AFib, short for atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, are common arrhythmias where the upper portions of your heart (the atria) are not contracting in a rhythmic fashion with the lower chambers of your heart (the ventricles). This, in turn, leads to an irregular heartbeat, often without symptoms.
What are the symptoms of AFib?
Most patients do not experience symptoms with AFib, but if you do, you may feel your heart racing at rest (palpitations) and be experiencing a rapid ventricular response (RVR). Normal resting heart rates should be between 60-100 beats per minute, therefore, by definition, a rapid heart rate is greater than 100 beats per minute at rest. It is common for patients with AFib to have resting heart rates in the range of 120-169 beats per minute.
Other associated symptoms can be shortness of breath, fatigue and exercise intolerance. AFib can be intermittent (paroxysmal) where it comes and goes or chronic where the heart is continuously out of rhythm. One of the long-term consequences of poorly controlled AFib is the progression into a weakened heart condition known as congestive heart failure.
What causes AFib?
Frequent causes of AFib include coronary artery disease, thyroid instability, electrolyte imbalance, sleep apnea and congestive heart failure. Often, the specific cause for the onset of AFib is unknown, but a full workup for a correctable cause is always warranted. A workup to identify potential reversible causes may include but is not limited to a stress test, echocardiogram, holter monitor, laboratory data or a left and right heart catheterization.
Many times, your cardiologist can control your heart rhythm with medications that are designed to slow your heart rate or return your heart rhythm to normal. If medications are unsuccessful, a cardioversion (DCCV) is sometimes used to restore your heart to normal rhythm. In this case, your cardiologist will deliver an electrical shock to your heart after you have been sedated.
You can also undergo an ablation for this rhythm. In this instance, you are taken into the cath lab and a small catheter is placed inside your heart to “burn” the atrial tissue often responsible for the abnormal rhythm. This procedure is invasive but is successful in approximately 90% of cases.
Finally, there is a new therapy for individuals who cannot tolerate long-term anticoagulation (blood thinners). A device called the Watchman device is inserted inside your heart to prevent the occurrences of stroke, often associated with AFib. This procedure is not for all patients but is reserved for select patients who are unable to tolerate long-term anticoagulation (blood thinners).
When should I see a doctor for AFib?
If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with AFib such as palpitations, shortness of breath or chest pain, it is best to contact your cardiologist or primary care physician for an evaluation. Because of your heart’s abnormal rhythm, small blood clots may form inside your heart and can travel through your blood stream into your head causing an acute stroke.
If you or someone you know is diagnosed with AFib, it is important to see a doctor to have your heart rhythm evaluated and treated, even if you do not have symptoms. To schedule an appointment with us, call (423) 926-4468 or fill out our contact form and one of our team members will contact you shortly.
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