Although I’m not a cardiologist, as a family physician, I often see patients who experience atrial fibrillation or have questions about it. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often rapid heartbeat.
The heart has four chambers, and normally, the top two (called the atria) work in sync with the bottom two (the ventricles). But when the top and bottom chambers aren’t in sync, it can lead to atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib can happen for various reasons, usually when there’s damage to the heart’s electrical system. It can cause problems like blood clots, which can lead to serious issues like strokes or even heart failure.
Atrial fibrillation can sometimes occur without any noticeable symptoms, but when symptoms do appear, they often include:
- Palpitations
- Chest Pain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
Causes of Atrial Fibrillation can include
- Hypertension
- Other heart diseases
- Thyroid abnormalities—especially overactive thyroid
- Sleep apnea
- Genetics
- Aging
- Consumption of certain substances like stimulants and alcohol
- Genetic conditions
- Various infections
Treating AFib typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, procedures, and, in many cases, medications. Some medications are designed to prevent blood clots, reducing the risk of strokes, while others focus on controlling the heart’s rate or rhythm if they become irregular.
As a reminder, none of the information in our blog is official medical advice. Atrial fibrillation can cause a medical emergency so the possibility of AFib must always be promptly taken very seriously and typically the initial diagnosis may involve admission to an emergency room and/or hospital. Management often includes care from a cardiologist.
If you are looking for a family medicine physician in Clinton Township, we’d be honored to take care you. Feel free to give our office a call at (586) 228-0400 to schedule an appointment with me, Dr. Maria Swetech.
