Atrial fibrillation is a quivering or irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia. Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib or AF, can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. Over 12 million people are projected to have AFib by 2030.
Here’s how patients have described their experience:
“My heart flip-flops, skips beats, and feels like it’s banging against my chest wall, especially if I’m carrying stuff up my stairs or bending down.”
“I was nauseated, light-headed and weak. I had a really fast heartbeat and felt like I was gasping for air.”
“I had no symptoms at all. I discovered my AFib at a regular check-up. I’m glad we found it early.”
What happens during AFib?
Normally, your heart contracts and relaxes to a regular beat. In AFib, the upper chambers of the heart, or the atria, beat irregularly. Because not enough blood is being pumped out of the atria, blood pools in the area. The pooled blood can clot – which can be extremely dangerous.
If a blood clot forms, it can be pumped out of the heart to the brain. This blocks the blood supply to the brain and causes a stroke.
About 15% to 20% of people who have strokes have this heart arrhythmia. The clot risk is why patients with this condition are prescribed blood thinners*.
Untreated AFib doubles the risk of heart-related deaths and is associated with a fivefold increased risk for stroke. Yet many people are unaware that AFib is a serious condition.
Watch an animation of atrial fibrillation.
AFib treatment saves lives and lowers risks
If you or someone you love has AFib, learn more about what it is; why treatment can save lives; and what you can do to reach your goals, lower your risks and live a healthy life.
If you think you may have AFib, here are your most important steps:
- Know the symptoms
- Get the right treatment
- Reduce your risk for stroke and heart failure
We’re here to help you live your healthiest life!
Original Article – https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/what-is-atrial-fibrillation-afib-or-af
