As many as 6.1 million Americans have atrial fibrillation—more commonly known as Afib. It’s a condition in which the heart beats irregularly and often much too fast. Although you’d think you would be able to feel it, Afib’s characteristic quivering (fibrillation) and racing heart may not be something you notice.
On average, stroke risk for people with Afib is five times greater, which is why it’s important to get Afib diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms like the heart racing or skipping beats do occur; however, many patients simply feel tired. The symptoms can be nonspecific, such as fatigue, malaise, feeling foggy or not feeling well. Those who do feel symptoms may notice:
- A flopping or pounding feeling in the chest
- Lightheadedness (and, less commonly, fainting)
- Shortness of breath
The risk of developing Afib increases with age. Other risk factors include:
- Diabetes
- Drinking alcohol regularly
- High blood pressure
- Intense stress
- Obesity
- Sleep apnea
- Smoking
- Thyroid disease
- Other types of heart problems, such as coronary artery disease or heart failure
If you have multiple risk factors and are experiencing any of the symptoms, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Afib can be dangerous if left untreated.
According to the American Stroke Association, people who have an Afib-related stroke typically fare worse than stroke patients without Afib, experiencing greater disability and a higher probability of death.
Ideally, patients with Afib should see a cardiologist or cardiac electrophysiologist, but starting the conversation with your primary care provider will allow them to start any appropriate treatment and refer you to specialists.
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