What is Atrial Fibrillation?

I had never heard of atrial fibrillation (AFib)until my father was diagnosed with it. I decided to do some research about it because heart disease runs in my family and I'm trying to see what preventative measures (if any) I can take in order to extend my life span.

More than 2 million Americans suffer from AFib. This makes it the most common type of irregular heartbeat and this condition gets worse with age.

The heart has 2 top chambers (atria) and 2 bottom ones (ventricles). When it is functioning properly the heart's electrical system causes the top chambers to contract followed by the bottom chambers. Generally a normal heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute and the rhythm is consistent.

A person with AFib has an inconsistent heartbeat because electrical impulses travel through the top chambers in a disorganized manner. This can cause the heart to beat at a much higher rate than normal (around 150 beats per minute)

Some Of the Symptoms of AFib are:

You feel chest discomfort (pressure or pain)

Your heart feels like it's racing in your chest

You feel light-headed

You feel listless and lack energy

You experience shortness of breath even while resting

If you have any of these symptoms you should make an appointment with you doctor as soon as possible!

Afib is very dangerous because it causes the heart to lose about 20 percent it's ability to adeqautely pump your blood. This can cause clots to form and these clots can travel all over the body and lodge in places that could be life threatening.

The Dad's doctor put him on blood thinners so that his risk of stroke would be less.

Causes Of Atrial Fibrillation

Heart failure

Hardening of the arteries

high blood pressure

disease of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)

About 10 percent of people with Afib have no apparent heart disease. For these individuals Afib maybe caused by stress, too much caffeine, excessive alcohol etc.

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