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Atrial fibrillation symptoms causes and treatment plans

Atrial fibrillation is a serious heart rhythm disorder marked by irregular heartbeat. Discover symptoms, causes, treatments, and lifestyle tips for prevention.

What are the main causes of atrial fibrillation (AFib)?

  • High blood pressure damages heart tissue over time, leading to electrical disturbances that trigger atrial fibrillation episodes in susceptible individuals.
  • Heart valve disorders disrupt normal blood flow, straining the atria and making irregular heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation more likely.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption weakens heart muscle function, increasing the risk of atrial fibrillation in otherwise healthy individuals.
    AFib symptoms may appear silently yet dangerously
    AFib symptoms may appear silently yet dangerously

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Key symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AFib) to watch for

  • Irregular heartbeat or palpitations that feel like fluttering, pounding, or skipping beats in the chest during activity or rest.
  • Shortness of breath, fatigue, or reduced exercise capacity, often caused by the heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently.
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness, sometimes progressing to fainting, due to poor blood circulation associated with atrial fibrillation.

How can you prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib) effectively?

  • Maintain healthy blood pressure through diet, exercise, and regular medical check-ups to lower your risk of atrial fibrillation.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption, which can trigger irregular heart rhythms and increase atrial fibrillation episodes.
  • Manage stress with relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to reduce strain on the heart and prevent atrial fibrillation.
    AFib treatment offers hope for heart rhythm control
    AFib treatment offers hope for heart rhythm control

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Images visual examples of atrial fibrillation (AFib)

Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder where the upper chambers beat irregularly and rapidly. Images often show disrupted electrical impulses and chaotic atrial activity.

AFib stroke risk rises without timely medical care
AFib stroke risk rises without timely medical care
Causes of AFib rooted in heart and lifestyle factors
Causes of AFib rooted in heart and lifestyle factors
Living with AFib requires balance care and awareness
Living with AFib requires balance care and awareness
Types of AFib vary from brief to persistent cases
Types of AFib vary from brief to persistent cases
AFib and heart failure create complex cardiac challenges
AFib and heart failure create complex cardiac challenges
AFib and anxiety often intensify each other’s impact
AFib and anxiety often intensify each other’s impact
AFib diet supports heart health and rhythm stability
AFib diet supports heart health and rhythm stability
AFib vs atrial flutter shows key rhythm differences
AFib vs atrial flutter shows key rhythm differences
AFib medication helps reduce irregular heartbeat episodes
AFib medication helps reduce irregular heartbeat episodes

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Managing atrial fibrillation requires early diagnosis, effective treatment, and lifestyle adjustments. Learn to reduce risks and improve heart health today.