Understanding Atrial Fibrillation_ Key Symptoms and Treatment Options

1. Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Key Symptoms and Treatment Options Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a prevalent type of irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that begins in your heart’s upper chambers, called the atria. Normally, your heart’s electrical system sends signals in a steady pattern. However, with AFib, this system malfunctions, sending many different, chaotic signals simultaneously. This causes the atria to beat chaotically and irregularly, making them inefficient at pumping blood into the lower chambers (ventricles). Consequently, your ventricles also contract irregularly, resulting in a fast, irregular heartbeat that you can feel. Being in AFib is serious, even if you don't feel symptoms, as it means your heart is out of rhythm. This significantly increases your risk of dangerous blood clots forming in your heart and traveling to vital organs such as your brain, potentially leading to a stroke. AFib can also lead to other serious complications like heart failure. To understand AFib, you can think of it like several conductors directing an orchestra instead of just one; the musicians wouldn't know who to follow, and the music would lose its rhythm. Key Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms While some people with AFib may not notice any atrial fibrillation symptoms, it's important to be aware of the common signs: ● A feeling of butterflies or a fish flopping in your chest, or the sensation that your heart is racing or pounding (heart palpitations). ● Extreme fatigue. ● Dizziness or lightheadedness. ● Shortness of breath (dyspnea). ● Chest pain (angina). ● Fainting (syncope). ● Reduced ability to exercise. ● Weakness. It is crucial to seek immediate medical help if you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or faint or feel like you might faint. A medical professional will diagnose AFib primarily with an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), which records your heart's electrical signals. Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Options AFib is a progressive condition that can worsen over time, but effective atrial fibrillation treatment can significantly lower your risk of stroke and help you experience fewer symptoms. Treatment typically involves one or more of the following approaches: ● Lifestyle Changes: These are essential across all stages of AFib. Key recommendations include maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco use, getting the recommended amount of physical activity (at least 30 minutes a day on most days), and managing any conditions that raise your risk, such as high blood pressure, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and diabetes.

2. ● Medications: Your provider may prescribe medications to control your heart rate and/or heart rhythm, which can prevent damage to your heart and reduce uncomfortable symptoms. A critical component of AFib treatment is often the prescription of blood thinners (anticoagulants), such as Apixaban, Rivaroxaban, Dabigatran, Edoxaban, or Warfarin, to lower the risk of blood clots that could lead to a stroke. Other medications specifically manage heart rate (e.g., Carvedilol, Metoprolol) or help restore a normal heart rhythm (e.g., Amiodarone, Flecainide). ● Ablation Therapy: This is an umbrella term for procedures that create scar tissue in your heart to block abnormal electrical signals, helping your heart beat in a normal rhythm. Common specific procedures include catheter ablation (e.g., pulmonary vein isolation or PVI) and the Maze procedure (surgical ablation), often performed during other heart surgeries. ● Other Procedures: ○ Cardioversion: Your provider uses a device (defibrillator) or medicine to get your heart rhythm back to normal. ○ Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) closure: If you cannot tolerate blood thinners, a device can be implanted to seal off a sac in your heart where blood clots can easily form, thus lowering stroke risk. Living with AFib While there is no "cure" for AFib, meaning you'll manage it for life, working closely with your healthcare team to manage the condition and any other medical issues can significantly improve your chances of a long and healthy life. Remember, managing AFib is like tuning a complex instrument; with the right adjustments and consistent care, you can bring your heart's rhythm back into harmony, allowing you to enjoy life's melodies more fully. If you suspect you have atrial fibrillation symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away. Our expert cardiologist in Bangalore at Kauvery Hospitals can provide comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to help you manage your heart health.