Our heart is a delicate organ of the body. It is one of the most vulnerable too. With so many problems already surrounding it, one condition that we would talk about is Atrial Fibrillation. It is a case where your heart faces an irregular heartbeat. The process of fibrillation can be explained as the irregular heartbeat of the upper two chambers that are out of coordination with the two lower chambers of the heart.
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The disease has several symptoms such as heart palpitations, weakness, and shortness of breath. There are several episodes of the disease that can come and go, or a person may develop the disease that doesn’t go away and also require the treatment. The fibrillation is not a life-threatening disease but is a serious medical condition that sometimes requires emergency treatment.
What can be the causes of Atrial Fibrillation?
Heart disease
Anyone with heart diseases like – heart valve problems, congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, or a history of heart attack or heart surgery have an increased risk of atrial fibrillation.
High blood pressure
Having high blood pressure, especially if it’s not well-controlled with lifestyle changes or medications, can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation.
Other chronic conditions
Some people with long term conditions like – thyroid problems, sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or lung disease have an increased risk of atrial fibrillation.
Drinking alcohol
For a few people, drinking alcohol can trigger an episode of atrial fibrillation. Excessive drinking may put you at an even higher risk.
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Obesity
People who are overweight are at higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
Family history
The family hierarchy or history may increase the certain risk of this condition.
Does Atrial Fibrillation cause any complication?
In this case, you can suffer from two major complications of the heart. These are stroke and heart failure. The reason is simple, the unrhythmic heartbeat.
Stroke
In this, the chaotic rhythm may cause blood to pool in your heart’s upper chambers (atria) and form clots. If a blood clot forms, it could move from your heart to your brain. It might block blood flow, causing a stroke.
The risk of a stroke in atrial fibrillation depends on your age and on whether you have high blood pressure, diabetes, a history of heart failure or previous stroke, and other factors. Some medications, like blood thinners, can greatly lower your risk of a stroke or damage to other organs caused by blood clots.
Heart Failure:
If atrial fibrillation is not controlled, it may weaken the heart and lead to heart failure, a condition in which your heart can’t circulate enough blood to meet your body’s needs.
What might be the prevention of Atrial Fibrillation?
Some of the preventive measures can help slow down the condition. You must try them if you are at risk of gaining the condition.
- Increasing your physical activity
- Avoiding smoking
- Limiting or avoiding alcohol or caffeine
- Reducing stress and anger that can cause heart rhythm problems
As atrial fibrillation is connected with heart rate and other heart-related problems, it is easier to cure it by simply making modifications in some lifestyle, eating habits, and exercise.
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