Interesting Facts About Atrial Fibrillation

Your heart is the hardest working and one of the most critical muscles in your body. It continues working even when you are sleeping. It, therefore, makes sense that you may develop an irregular heartbeat once in a while. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is one of the most common types of arrhythmias. There are plenty of heart health experts in Frisco, TX that may help you deal with it. However, it is vital to understand the condition before seeking help. If you plan on seeking help for atrial fibrillation in Frisco, the following are some important things that you should know.

1.      Anyone Can Get It

Even though your risk for developing the condition may increase as you age, you can get it at a young age. The condition is linked to other age-related conditions such as heart valve disease, high blood pressure, and heart failure. It may also be a result of congenital heart disease.

2.      It Can Get Better

If you have atrial fibrillation, you don’t need to live with it. There are plenty of treatment options that may ease its symptoms. One of the most common treatment options is resetting your heartbeat with an electrical shock. The condition affects everyone differently, so the treatment you get depends on your specific needs.

3.      It Is the Most Common Arrhythmia

Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent diagnosed arrhythmia. It affects 2.7 to 6.1 million people in the United States and about 0.5% of people in the world. Even though it mostly affects adults aged 65 or older, it may also affect younger people.

4.      The Signs are Not Always Apparent

You may have atrial fibrillation without noticing it. While some people feel a minor fluttering in their chest, others may feel like their hearts are skipping beats. The signs range from mild to severe, and it is not always possible to tell that you need help. Some people don’t realize that they need help until a doctor points out the problem.

5.      It Increases Your Risk of Stroke

 If your heart is no longer pumping regularly, your blood may clot in the left atrial appendage. You may get a stroke if the blood clot gets into your bloodstream. You may need blood-thinning medications to reduce this risk. However, you should consult your doctor before taking the drugs. They are not appropriate if you are at a high risk of bleeding.

6.      There Are Many Possible Causes

There are lots of reasons why you may get atrial fibrillation. Many of them are beyond your control. Some common causes include:

• Chronic lung disease
• Heart failure
• Heart valve issues
• Coronary artery disease
• Pulmonary embolism
• High blood pressure
• Cardiomyopathy

It may also be caused by excessive consumption of certain drugs, alcohol, or caffeine

In conclusion, atrial fibrillation is a serious condition and understanding it can be difficult. There are lots of myths surrounding it, so it is easy to get confused. If you have any questions or concerns about the disease, speak to your doctor about them as soon as possible.