Common Signs And Symptoms Of Atrial Fibrillation
Rapid and irregular beating of your heart could mean that you are suffering from atrial fibrillation. One is said to have atrial fibrillation if his or her atria and ventricles do not beat rhythmically. Atrial fibrillation can be categorized into two, permanent atrial fibrillation and temporary atrial fibrillation. If you have temporary atrial fibrillation, you need not worry because these episodes come and go by themselves. However, you require treatment if the episodes do not go away. As much as atrial fibrillation is thought of as being harmless, one needs to seek medical advice if they suspect they have this condition because failure to address it could lead to more complications in future such as heart failure.
You need to have this condition addressed because blood clots could be developed in the atria and spread to other vital organs causing a condition known as ischemia.
Doctors look at atrial fibrillation in a group of four, occasional atrial fibrillation, long-standing persistent, persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation.
If you have been getting these episodes for a week with each episode taking a few minutes or hours, then you most likely have occasional atrial fibrillation. If your heart rate does not back to normal on its own, then you have persistent atrial fibrillation. If you have had atrial fibrillation for a period longer than one year, then you may have long-standing atrial fibrillation.
Some common signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation are fatigue, heart palpitations, abdominal pains, chest discomfort, light-headedness, exercise intolerance and awareness that yoir heart is beating. Older adults are the largest group suffering from atrial fibrillation. It is difficult for this condition to be diagnosed until they have had their first stroke because at times there are no symptoms. A stroke will occur when the blood clots formed in the upper chambers of the heart because of atrial fibrillation move to the brain.
Atrial fibrillation is less common in teens. However, teens have reported getting symptoms of atrial fibrillation. The most common symptoms in teens with atrial fibrillation are abdominal pains and rapid and irregular heartbeats. Atrial fibrillation is less dangerous in teens than it is in older adults since their hearts are stronger and healthier. Most atrial fibrillation episodes in teens are triggered by exercise and alcohol and drug use.
There are a number of atrial fibrillation prevention measures. To prevent yourself from getting atrial fibrillation, ensure that you eat healthy foods and exercise regularly. You should also avoid caffeine and alcohol as much as possible. Avoid things that could trigger your anger or bring you a lot of stress because this is also a cause of increased heart rates. It is important to note that some cold and cough medication cause rapid heart rates and you should therefore take them with caution.