For example, they may recommend lifestyle changes or medications. In some cases, they may suggest surgery or other procedures. For example, take medications as prescribed and adjust your lifestyle if needed. Practicing heart-healthy habits can help lower your risk of complications, including stroke and heart failure. For example:.
In addition to AFib, several other health conditions can also raise your risk of stroke and heart failure. These include:. Heart attack and heart failure share many of the same risk factors and underlying health conditions. Learn about the many differences between heart…. Cardiomyopathy is a disease in which your heart muscle weakens and has difficulty pumping blood.
Read about its causes, risk factors, treatment, and…. Atrial fibrillation AFib is the most common type of arrhythmia in the United States. Learn more about this condition, including causes and symptoms…. Atrial Fibrillation.
What is Atrial Fibrillation? Why Atrial Fibrillation Matters. Who is at Risk for Atrial Fibrillation? What are the Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation? Treatment and Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation. What are the consequences of atrial fibrillation AFib? What causes atrial fibrillation?
Usually, the most serious risk from AFib is that it can lead to other medical problems, including: Stroke Heart failure Chronic fatigue Additional heart rhythm problems Inconsistent blood supply Learn about the important connection between atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure and stroke.
How does AFib lead to stroke? The heartbeat seems to quiver or fibrillate in an erratic way. The upper chambers the atria of the heart do not produce an effective, regular contraction, but contract irregularly. The contraction fails. Imagine wringing out a sponge. Without a good squeeze, water will still be left in the sponge. Blood pools in the atria. Blood not completely pumped out of the atria can remain and may pool there.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the heart rate in a patient with afib ranges between and beats per minute, as opposed to a normal range of 60 to beats.
Symptoms typically include heart palpitations, or a fluttering sensation, shortness of breath , weakness, and a drop in blood pressure. Patients may experience constant symptoms known as chronic afib , occasional episodes paroxysmal afib , or no symptoms at all. Heart abnormalities, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism , and sleep apnea can cause afib.
The odds of developing afib go up for people over the age of 60, and 10 percent of people over 80 have it. Atrial fibrillation is not usually life threatening, but it can be uncomfortable and often requires treatment. Atrial flutter is less common than atrial fibrillation, but shares the same symptoms, causes and possible complications. Atrial flutter is similar to atrial fibrillation, but the rhythm in the atria is more organised and less chaotic than the abnormal patterns caused by atrial fibrillation.
Treatment for atrial flutter is also slightly different. Catheter ablation is considered to be the best treatment for atrial flutter, whereas medicine is often the first treatment used for atrial fibrillation. Page last reviewed: 17 May Next review due: 17 May Urgent advice: Call if:.
You have sudden chest pain that: spreads to your arms, back, neck or jaw makes your chest feel tight or heavy also started with shortness of breath, sweating and feeling or being sick lasts more than 15 minutes You could be having a heart attack. Information: Social care and support guide If you: need help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability care for someone regularly because they're ill, elderly or disabled including family members Our guide to care and support explains your options and where you can get support.
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