Some patients notice palpitations and irregular heartbeats and are immediately aware when atrial fibrillation starts. Others feel chest discomfort, shortness of breath, lightheadness, dizziness or a general tiredness, without having palpitations. In some individuals symptoms of atrial fibrillation can be present at rest, while in others they appear during exercise.
The onset of an episode of atrial fibrillation is not always clear. In some cases symptoms start abruptly while in others there is a reduction in the ability to exercise. In the latter case one may not suspect atrial fibrillation and it can take a long time before the patient seeks medical attention. Finally, it is possible that someone with atrial fibrillation has no symptoms at all and the arrhythmia is discovered accidentally, for instance during a routine check-up or using wearables.
The reason why some people with atrial fibrillation experience symptoms, while others do not, is unclear. AFib, or atrial fibrillation, is not the same for everyone. People can have different symptoms depending on a few different factors. If you think you may have AFib, this article can tell you more about what you may be experiencing. AFib is a progressive disease that can get worse over time if left untreated.
Here are the three ways doctors classify AFib. Paroxysmal AFib is identified by distinct episodes of discomfort. Sometimes that can last several minutes, while other times it can last a few days.
If you have this kind of AFib attack you will definitely notice. You may feel your heart palpitating or get the sensation that your heart is skipping a beat every now and then. This kind of AFib tends to be unpredictable. Paroxysmal AFib can sometimes go away if you make the right lifestyle adjustments or get the right medication from your doctor. The key is to address it early so it does not get worse. Paroxysmal AFib gets upgraded to persistent AFib when the symptoms last for more than a week.
At that point, the heart most likely won't go back to a normal rhythm on its own. You'll most likely feel more prolonged versions of the same symptoms as well. To understand the causes of A-fib , it may be helpful to know how the heart typically beats.
The typical heart has four chambers — two upper chambers atria and two lower chambers ventricles. Within the upper right chamber of the heart right atrium is a group of cells called the sinus node. The sinus node is the heart's natural pacemaker. It produces the signal that starts each heartbeat. In atrial fibrillation, the signals in the upper chambers of the heart are chaotic.
As a result, the upper chambers shake quiver. The AV node is then bombarded with signals trying to get through to the lower heart chambers ventricles. This causes a fast and irregular heart rhythm.
The heart rate in atrial fibrillation may range from to beats a minute. The normal range for a heart rate is 60 to beats a minute. Problems with the heart's structure are the most common cause of atrial fibrillation.
Possible causes of atrial fibrillation include:. In atrial fibrillation, the chaotic heart rhythm can cause blood to collect in the heart's upper chambers atria and form clots. If a blood clot in the left upper chamber left atrium breaks free from the heart area, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. The risk of stroke from atrial fibrillation increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase your risk of a stroke due to A-fib , including:.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation. Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation. Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:. Atrial fibrillation care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Atrial fibrillation Open pop-up dialog box Close. Atrial fibrillation In a typical heart rhythm, a tiny cluster of cells at the sinus node sends out an electrical signal sinus node impulse. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.
Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Atrial fibrillation. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
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