Is atrial fibrillation a serious condition?
Atrial fibrillation isn’t usually life-threatening or considered serious in people who are otherwise healthy. However, atrial fibrillation can be dangerous if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or other diseases of the heart. Either way, this condition needs to be properly diagnosed and managed by a doctor.
What are the warning signs of AFib?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of irregular heartbeat….The most common symptom: a quivering or fluttering heartbeat
- General fatigue.
- Rapid and irregular heartbeat.
- Fluttering or “thumping” in the chest.
- Dizziness.
- Shortness of breath and anxiety.
- Weakness.
- Faintness or confusion.
- Fatigue when exercising.
Is walking good for atrial fibrillation?
Walking is especially helpful for AFib patients as it is an easy, low-impact form of exercise. It is also a great way for inactive people to gradually increase their movement. Walking has a myriad of health benefits. This makes it a great activity for Afib patients, as well as people who just want to get healthy.
What can you do to treat atrial fibrillation?
The treatment goals for atrial fibrillation are to reset the heart rhythm or control the rate, prevent blood clots, and decrease the risk of strokes. The rate control approach is the default, using anticoagulants (“blood thinners”) and medications to control your heart rate.
What is the drug of choice for atrial fibrillation?
Digitalis Digitalis has been for years for atrial fibrillation, and it remains very effective. It is also useful for strengthening the contraction of weak hearts, and is the drug of choice for patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure. It is a convenient medication, usually requiring only once-a-day dosing.
What are the most common causes of atrial fibrillation?
Abnormalities, defects or damage to the heart is the most common cause of atrial fibrillation. Other possible causes of A-fib include: heart attacks, an overactive thyroid gland, a metabolic imbalance, high blood pressure, lung disease, sick sinus node syndrome, viral infections, sleep apnea or sickness like pneumonia.
What is atrial fibrillation and is it serious?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib), an abnormality of the rhythm of the heart, is a serious medical condition that needs to be managed because it significantly raises your risk for a stroke or heart attack.