Common Signs And Symptoms Of Atrial Fibrillation

Rapid and irregular beating of your heart could mean that you are suffering from atrial fibrillation.  One is said to have atrial fibrillation if his or her atria and ventricles do not beat rhythmically. There is permanent atrial fibrillation and temporary atrial fibrillation.  If you have temporary atrial fibrillation, you need not worry because these episodes come and go by themselves.  However, you require treatment if the episodes do not go away.  Atrial fibrillation is not a life-threatening condition but you need to get yourself checked if you suspect that you are suffering from it because it could cause life-threatening illnesses. Learn more about Atrial Fibrillation here.

 The main concern with atrial fibrillation is that it could lead to the formation of blood clots in the upper chambers of the heart which could spread to other organs in the body causing ischemia. 

Atrial fibrillation can further be classified into four groups namely occasional, long-standing persistent, persistent and permanent.  

Occasional atrial fibrillation lasts for as long as a week, with episodes going on for minutes and sometimes hours.  If you have persistent atrial fibrillation, you need treatment for your heart’s rhythm to go back to normal.  In long-standing atrial fibrillation, yoir symptoms last for more than a year. 

You could be suffering from atrial fibrillation if you are often lightheaded, have shortness of breath and dizzy, have heart palpitations, are aware of your heart beating, have feelings of pressure in the chest and persistent abdominal pains.  Older adults are the largest group suffering from atrial fibrillation. It is difficult for this condition to be diagnosed until they have had their first stroke because at times there are no symptoms.  A stroke occurs when a blood clot formed in the atria finds its way to the brain. 

Teens are less likely to get atrial fibrillation. However, teens have reported getting symptoms of atrial fibrillation.  Most teens suffering from atrial fibrillation complain of abdominal pains and heart palpitations. Since teens have stronger hearts than adults, atrial fibrillation is not a cause of concern in most of them.  Exercising and drug and alcohol use often trigger atrial fibrillation in teens.

You can reduce yoir chances of getting atrial fibrillation.  To prevent yourself from getting atrial fibrillation, ensure that you eat healthy foods and exercise regularly.  You also need to avoid taking alcohol and drinks with caffeine.  Stress will also increase your heart rate and you should therefore avoid stressful situations as much as you can.  Exercise a lot of caution when using cough and cold medication because they have been known to trigger fast heart rates. For more information, click on this link: https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/atrial-fibrillation-and-flutter.