Heart Health: Volume 10 Heart Conditions: AFIB

The most common type of arrhythmia is called atrial fibrillation or AFib. AFib is a heart condition that causes an irregular and rapid heartbeat in the upper chambers of the heart.

There are many heart conditions that people may have underlying that can affect how their heart functions. Whether this be an irregular rhythm (arrhythmia), or a birth defect. This can lead to increased risks of strokes, heart attacks, and other problems. AFib can be caused by changes to the heart's tissue or electrical signaling, high blood pressure, or coronary artery disease.

Some symptoms of AFib include:

• Heart palpitations, quivering, or fluttering heart beat

• Fatigue especially with exercise

• Weakness

• Sweating

• Trouble breathing, anxiety

• Dizziness, fainting

• Low blood pressure

• Chest pain or pressure Unfortunately, these symptoms are common with many other heart issues. Fluttering and palpitations are symptoms of AFib. According to the American Heart Association, those feelings are the key difference between AFib and a heart attack, and must be diagnosed and controlled with heart specialists. Sometimes people have no symptoms, or mild symptoms. Sometimes people do not know they have AFib until they are getting workup done for a procedure or surgery. It may be detected during a wellness exam if a primary care provider detects an irregular heartbeat, or if there is an EKG (electrocardiogram) performed.

If you have an arrhythmia and are on medication for it, please do not discontinue medication unless it is under the advice of your doctor. This can make your issue worse, and potentially lead to the events you are trying to prevent. This is true for other conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

AFib can lead to an increased risk of stroke, up to a 20% increase, which is why many people with AFib are on blood thinners. Everyone should know the warning signs of a stroke, which the AHA lists below.

Spot a stroke F.A.S.T., whether these warning signs are what you are feeling or you notice them in someone else:

• Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

• Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

• Speech difficulty: Is their speech slurred? Are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like 'The sky is blue.' Could they repeat the sentence correctly?

• Time to call 911: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.

Call 911 immediately if you notice one or more of these symptoms, even if they are temporary or seem to disappear.