Atrial Fibrillation
The most common type of arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (pronounced A-tree-uhl fih-bruh-LAY-shun) causes an irregular heartbeat that can increase your risk for stroke and heart failure.
Atrial fibrillation, or AF, results from faulty signals that are produced by our hearts electrical system. The faulty signals cause the upper portion of the heart, called the atria, to fibrillate, which means to contract rapidly and irregularly. When this happens, you may feel weak, dizzy and tired.
AF upsets the rhythm between the atria and the lower parts of the heart, called the ventricles. The irregular heartbeat can cause blood to gather in the atria, making us more susceptible to having a stroke. Furthermore, AF can cause the ventricles to not fill properly, which causes heart failure when the heart can't pump enough blood to meet our bodys demands.
Recently Answered
- Q Is occasional atrial fibrillation serious?
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Occasional atrial fibrillation can be serious. While many people do not experience or feel symptoms of arrhythmia, complications can result if the condition is left untreated. For example, stroke and heart failure, both life-threatening events, can... Full Answer
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- Q What can reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation after cardiac ablation?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineTo cut your odds of repeat procedures, follow these golden health rules: Don’t smoke. Quit ASAP if you do. Avoid caffeine and alcohol in excessive quantities. Exercise regularly. 10,000 steps a day, NO EXCUSES! Avoid salty foods. Eat plenty... Full Answer
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- Q How do I live with occasional atrial fibrillation?
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People with occasional atrial fibrillation can be active and healthy as long as they are mindful of their doctor's recommendations and instructions. Aside from eating right, getting lots of exercise, and taking care of your health, it is important to... Full Answer
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- Q How do I care for someone with occasional atrial fibrillation?
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Caring for someone with occasional atrial fibrillation may mean helping upport that person's healthy lifestyle choices. Because some people live with this condition without experiencing symptoms, it is important to take any complaints seriously. For... Full Answer
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- Q Is there a cure for occasional atrial fibrillation?
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Occasional atrial fibrillation is a problem with the way the heart beats. A common form of arrhythmia, this condition can be prevented, treated, and in some cases, cured. One way doctors treat atrial fibrillation is by restoring the heart's irregular... Full Answer
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- Q Is atrial fibrillation dangerous?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineYou’ve probably heard heart disease described as a “ticking time bomb.” Well, it really is. There are two major complications associated with atrial fibrillation: stroke and heart failure. Neither is nice. Since the heart beats too... Full Answer
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- Q Is there a cure for persistent atrial fibrillation?
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Dr. Douglas Severance, Family MedicineThere is no cure for persistent atrial fibrillation, but your doctor may be able to convert your rapid, irregular heartbeat into a normal sinus rhythm. After diagnosing the atrial fibrillation with an electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG), your doctor may first... Full Answer
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- Q Does occasional atrial fibrillation go away on its own?
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Dr. Douglas Severance, Family MedicineSometimes atrial fibrillation can go away on its own. For example, if you have occasional atrial fibrillation, you will have symptoms for a few minutes, hours or days. You may call your doctor who asks for you to come to the office. But by the... Full Answer
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- Q What's good advice for someone just diagnosed with atrial fib?
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Dr. Douglas Severance, Family MedicineStart early to manage your risk of atrial fibrillation. Work with your doctor by taking the medications necessary to convert the heart rate and prevent blood clots from forming. Also, be more vigilant about your health, especially cardiovascular factors... Full Answer
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- Q Is there a cure for permanent atrial fibrillation?
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Dr. Douglas Severance, Family MedicineThere is no cure for permanent atrial fibrillation at this time. When atrial fibrillation is permanent, no medicines or other treatments can help to restore a normal heart rhythm. Doctors may prescribe medications such as calcium channel blockers and... Full Answer
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