ReadersAisle.com | Reliable Information Simplified

Atrial fibrillation – Causes, symptoms, and management tips

The human heart is susceptible to several health complications, including atrial fibrillation (AFib). The condition is the most common type of treated heart arrhythmia, which is a term describing when the heart beats unusually slowly, fast, or irregularly. AFib is estimated to affect between 2.7 million to 6.1 million individuals in the country. An individual with the complication experiences irregular beating in the heart’s upper chambers, affecting blood flow, leading to health complications.

Causes
Irregularities in the structure of the heart are the most common cause of atrial fibrillation. Sometimes people may develop the condition without any known heart damage or problems. Risk factors like age may also contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation. Other potential causes of the phenomenon include a heart attack, sick sinus syndrome – issues with the heart’s natural pacemaker, coronary artery disease, congenital heart defect – A heart defect that an individual might be born with, high blood pressure, lung diseases, heart valve problems, use of stimulants, including certain prescriptions and caffeine, physical stress caused due to pneumonia, other illnesses, and also surgery, sleep apnea, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), metabolic imbalances, viral infections, and complications due to earlier heart surgery.

Symptoms
A person who develops atrial fibrillation may not notice symptoms, and the condition is detected only after a physical examination. But some people experience signs and symptoms before a diagnosis. A few common symptoms of AFib include being unable to exercise to one’s full potential, feelings of weakness, throbbing pain in the chest, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations and sensations of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat, and feeling extremely fatigued. Therefore, the symptoms of atrial fibrillation differ from one person to the other.

Occasional symptoms (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation)
Here, a person may experience something that lasts from a few minutes to a couple of hours. Other individuals may experience recurring episodes of symptoms, which may last for as long as a week. While the markers of AFib go away eventually, some signs may require treatment options.

Persistent
A person who develops persistent symptoms will experience an irregular heart rhythm that requires treatment to return to normal. Cardioversion or prescription options might be indicated to restore and maintain regular heart rhythm.

Long-standing persistent
In this type of atrial fibrillation, the signs and symptoms are recurrent, chronic, and may last up to 12 months or longer.

Permanent
An individual with abnormalities in heart rhythm that cannot go back to normal will experience permanent symptoms. Healthcare experts will recommend certain prescriptions to reduce or prevent blood clots and control heart rate.

Treatment options for atrial fabrillation
A person who develops AFib will require various forms of treatment options to improve their condition. The goal of each treatment is to control heart rate, rest the heart rhythm, and prevent blood clots that may lead to strokes. The most common treatment options include prescriptions such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and blood thinners. Therapy such as cardioversion to reset the heart rhythm may also be recommended by healthcare experts. When AFib does not improve with prescription or therapies, the doctor may suggest surgical or catheter procedures.

Management tips
Apart from getting on a treatment plan, one could even follow these management tips to cope, prevent, or improve their condition.

Eat heart-healthy foods
The food one eats can have a significant impact on their health, including the heart. Therefore, to prevent AFib and improve heart health, an individual must consume healthy foods. Fiber-rich options and foods low in saturated or trans fat may help prevent unhealthy cholesterol levels. Moreover, one should avoid foods that are high in salts, saturated fats or processed. Such foods may increase the individual’s blood pressure. Excluding or reducing sugar from one’s meals may also help keep their blood sugar levels in check and control diabetes.

Indulge in regular exercise
Another way to manage and reduce the risk of AFib is to exercise regularly. Simple exercises like walking between 30 minutes to 2 hours a day can significantly help lower blood pressure and improve heart health. Other activities to try out include swimming and cycling, which are suitable for improving one’s overall well-being. Children and adolescents should also involve themselves in at least one hour of physical activities daily.

Schedule appointments
No matter what treatment plan one receives for atrial fibrillation, it is imperative to schedule regular appointments with their healthcare expert. Doing so will help monitor and keep tabs on their current condition. It will also help identify any potential heart abnormalities that may have gone undetected during the early stages. Scheduling regular checkups may also help identify health complications that are unrelated to the heart. The patient should also make a list of questions they would like to ask the healthcare expert about their condition.

Maintain a diary
Something as simple as maintaining a diary may provide great insight into an individual’s health. In a notepad or journal, one can write about the symptoms that do or do not develop after eating certain foods. They can also note down the side effects that may arise from taking certain prescriptions or those that stem from therapies or surgery. Doing so will help the healthcare expert develop a suitable solution to help keep their symptoms in check.

Seek support
Receiving a diagnosis of AFib can impact one’s mental health and lead to feelings of sadness. Therefore, seeking support is by far one of the most important aspects of dealing with AFib and its symptoms. One can look for a support group in their area or join one online. Here, one can talk about how they feel about their diagnosis and also listen to what other people with similar condition have to say. In a support group, one can learn about multiple ways to live with the condition and improve their daily lifestyle.

Popular Reads

Top 9 foods for managing macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition in which the retina’s central portion (macula) deteriorates. The macula is responsible for recording images one sees before they are sent to the brain. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, usually affecting people over 65. However, the condition can also develop in younger individuals due to genetic factors. One could make better food choices to manage the symptoms of this condition and improve eye health. Salmon Adding fish like salmon to one’s meal plan may significantly help improve eye health. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and proteins—essential nutrients that encompass each cell in the body. Moreover, salmon is rich in a type of omega-3 fatty acid called DHA, which is commonly found in the retina and the brain. Other fish varieties that may help maintain eye health include sardines, anchovies, and mackerel. Broccoli Multiple types of leafy green vegetables, including broccoli, can provide the necessary nutrients to maintain eye health. One can also choose other healthy veggies, like bell peppers and Brussels sprouts, that are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which help the body fight and prevent cellular damage. Carrots One of the carrot’s primary benefits for people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is its antioxidant called beta-carotene. The antioxidant is converted to vitamin A by the body and used by the rods and cones of the eyes to improve vision, especially when it comes to perceiving light and color. Pasture-raised eggs Eggs are another great food source that one should add to their daily meals. Pasture-raised eggs contain B12, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, zeaxanthin, lutein, and an amino acid called cysteine. Together, these nutrients are known to reduce the risk of AMD and cataracts. Zucchini Excessive exposure to UV and HEV rays may damage the retina and consequently increase one’s risk of developing macular degeneration.

Tips to prevent age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is a degenerative condition that primarily affects people over 50. This disorder thins and deteriorates the macula, the area of the eye that produces the clearest, most detailed vision. Early detection and treatment can lower the chances of permanent vision loss. Simple lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier and exercising regularly, can significantly reduce the risk of AMD. Here are a few simple lifestyle modifications that can help prevent the condition. Lifestyle modification tips to prevent age-related macular degeneration Maintain a normal blood pressure level Hypertension promotes AMD by decreasing blood flow to the vascular layer of the eye, known as the choroid. The lack of oxygen in the eye accelerates the deterioration and increases the risk of wet AMD and central vision loss. It is preferable to keep blood pressure under control to avoid this situation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding fried foods, eating well, and exercising regularly can all help keep blood pressure under control. Although this condition has nothing to do with weight, a body mass index of 30 can make it worse, so it is preferable to keep a low BMI. Consume more antioxidant-rich foods Antioxidants are chemicals that prevent or reduce free radical damage to cells. According to research, eating foods high in antioxidant content can slow the progression of macular degeneration in some people. Dark green leafy vegetables like kale, Swiss chard, spinach, and mustard greens are high in antioxidants. Green peas, summer squash, pumpkin, broccoli, asparagus, and carrots are also rich in these essential nutrients. All of these foods are rich in carotenoids and flavonoids like anthocyanin, which are good for the body. Take supplements While food is a great source of nutrients, as we get older, our bodies might not be able to absorb all the nutrients we need to stay healthy.

Top laundry detergent brands and tips to consider

Every household uses laundry detergent regularly to take care of various cleaning tasks and to keep clothes clean, fresh, and odor-free after each wash. However, every detergent is unique and has multiple benefits and drawbacks. Some detergents can also cause allergies, so finding a detergent that meets all your needs while leaving your clothes soft and fluffy is essential. Here are a few highly efficient laundry detergents and their features to consider. Top laundry detergent brands Hygienic Clean Heavy 10x Duty Power PODS These pods are designed to effectively penetrate the fibers and the spaces between them. It dissolves and removes body oils and other unwanted substances that are invisible to the naked eye. In terms of cleaning effectiveness, it outperforms all other detergents. Even without using bleach, it makes white t-shirts and bedding whiter. These large Power Pods, which contain more cleaning agents than two regular pods, are an excellent choice for families who wash a lot of clothes on a regular basis. The only disadvantage is that the pods may be too large for light loads. ProClean + Stain Fighter Liquid Laundry Detergent When it comes to liquid detergents, Persil ProClean is an excellent choice. It works well to remove stains when used with cold water, and switching to a cold washing method can help save electricity. It effectively removes tough egg yolk stains and odors and works well in any water temperature. It has odor-removal technology that keeps clothes fresh and makes them smell great. This detergent is a good choice for people looking for an all-in-one product, as it works on all washer types, including high-efficiency (HE) models. It has a strong scent and might be pricey. Ultra Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent The Kirkland brand is an excellent choice for a hardworking detergent. When washed in cold water, it works best for polyester clothing and can remove difficult stains like tea from cotton and polyester garments.