AFib Symptoms That Could Signal an Irregular Heartbeat: What a Doctor Wants You to Know
Untreated atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of serious heart conditions
When it comes to heart health, many conditions are tricky to diagnose because their symptoms can be similar to others, and atrial fibrillation (AFib) is no exception. That’s a problem, since untreated AFib can lead to serious health risks. Keep reading to learn more about AFib symptoms to watch for, risk factors you should know about and when to see your doctor.
What is AFib?
AFib is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia), explains Grant Simons, MD, Chief of Heart Rhythm Services at Hackensack University Medical Center.
“During AFib, the heart’s upper chambers (the atria) beat very rapidly and chaotically— out of coordination with the lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart,” he says. “This can decrease the heart’s efficiency in pumping blood.”
Woman's World Answers
AFib risk factors
Several factors can contribute to the development of AFib, says Dr. Simons. Some of the most common include:
- Age: The risk of atrial fibrillation increases as we age, especially after age 65.
- Family history: Your risk for AFib may be higher if you have a family member with the condition.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure over an extended period can cause changes in the structure of the heart, making it more susceptible to AFib.
- Heart valve disease: Problems with the heart valves, such as mitral stenosis or mitral regurgitation, can disrupt normal blood flow and trigger AFib.
- Coronary artery disease: Narrowed or blocked arteries that supply blood to the heart can damage the heart muscle and increase the risk of AFib.
- Heart failure: A weakened heart muscle can struggle to maintain a normal rhythm, leading to AFib.
How AFib can affect your heart health
An irregular heartbeat may seem relatively inconsequential, but untreated AFib can significantly increase the risk of several serious health complications, says Dr. Simons.
It can increase stroke risk
This is the most serious risk associated with AFib, Dr. Simons says. A chaotic heart rhythm allows blood to pool in the atria, which can lead to the formation of blood clots. These clots can travel to the brain, blocking blood flow and causing a stroke. People with AFib are five times more likely to have a stroke, he notes.
It can weaken your heart muscle
Over time, the inefficient pumping of the heart during AFib can also weaken the heart muscle. This can lead to heart failure, meaning the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, explains Dr. Simons.
It can cause cognitive impairment
Studies have shown a link between AFib and an increased risk of cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Simons notes. This may be due to reduced blood flow to the brain or silent strokes.
AFib symptoms to watch for
There are a few reasons AFib can be challenging to diagnose.. Sometimes, there are no symptoms at all, says Dr. Simons. And when there are, sneakier symptoms often overlap with unrelated health conditions. Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include:
- Sensation of a rapid heart beat
- Palpitations (the feeling that your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering, pounding, beating too hard or too fast)
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Low blood pressure
“You might have episodes that come and go, and if you’re not experiencing an episode during a regular checkup, it may go undetected,” explains Dr. Simons.
When to see your doctor for AFib symptoms
If you suspect you may have AFib, you should see your doctor for testing and to discuss treatment options. AFib is a progressive disease, so it tends to worsen over time. Treatment for atrial fibrillation may include medication, therapy to reset your heart rhythm or surgery, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Note: If you experience any of the symptoms below, seek medical attention right away. They could indicate a heart attack or stroke, serious AFib complications.
- Sudden chest pain or pressure
- Pain radiating to the arm, jaw, back or neck
- Shortness of breath, especially if severe
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially if severe or leading to near fainting
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Confusion or difficulty speaking
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
