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Not everyone experiences an atrial fibrillation (AFib) episode the same. The most common symptoms include a rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat (palpitations), extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and chest discomfort.
For some, these symptoms are severe, occur suddenly, last minutes or hours, or are constant. Others experience mild symptoms, and still others experience none.
Some individuals have frequent attacks, while others might experience symptoms sporadically.
AFib affects over 6 million people in the U.S., many of whom are unaware of their condition before diagnosis.
At Advanced Heart Care Associates, with offices in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, our cardiologists work closely with patients to provide accurate diagnoses, treatment, and prevention strategies.
Here’s what they want you to know about this most common heart arrhythmia.
Common sensations during an episode
When the upper chambers of your heart beat irregularly, the blood flow changes, which can cause specific physical sensations. Knowing what to watch for helps you understand when to seek medical evaluation.
- A racing or pounding sensation in your chest
- Fluttering or flip-flop feelings in your heart
- Unexpected shortness of breath during light daily tasks
- Unexplained fatigue or low energy levels
- Dizziness or lightheadedness without a clear cause
- General weakness that makes simple chores feel difficult
If you notice any of these signs, our team of experts can help you determine the underlying cause.
What causes AFib?
Your heart has four chambers that contract and relax in a synchronized pattern as they pump blood through the heart to the body. The beat is controlled by your heart’s electrical system, starting in a cluster of tissues (sinus node) in the right upper chamber.
Problems with the heart’s electrical system cause the atria to beat out of sync with the lower heart chambers (ventricles). That leads to AFib symptoms.
There are several known causes and risk factors for AFib, including:
Common factors include:
- High blood pressure that strains the heart muscle over time
- Coronary artery disease or a history of heart attacks
- Thyroid conditions, particularly an overactive thyroid gland
- Lung diseases or sleep apnea that affect oxygen levels
- Advancing age and a family history of heart rhythm disorders
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Excess weight
Sometimes, AFib develops without reason and may be identified as lone or idiopathic AFib.
Treating AFib
The main goals of treatment are to prevent blood clots, control heart rate, and reduce stroke risk. Treatment is individualized but can include one or more of the following:
- Medications like beta-blockers to regulate the heart rate and rhythm
- Blood thinners to prevent dangerous blood clots from forming
- Cardioversion procedures to reset the heart rhythm
- Catheter ablation to block the faulty electrical pathways in your heart
Our experts in Las Vegas and Henderson can provide a comprehensive evaluation and treatment program. Call Advanced Heart Care Associates at 725-777-2346 to schedule an evaluation at one of our convenient Nevada locations. You can also request an appointment online.