Atrial Fibrillation: The Complete Guide

 

 

September supports atrial fibrillation month. What is atrial fibrillation (AFib) and why do we need a whole month to devote to it? Here we break down what you need to know about AFib including causes, risk factors and how to manage it, which includes a guide to a healthy lifestyle.

 

AFib is an irregular heart beat that can lead to serious complications, such as dementia, heart failure, stroke, or even death. It is characterized by a rapid and irregular heartbeat caused when the top chambers of the heart (the atria) quiver (fibrillate) erratically, sometimes faster than 200 times per minute. (1) It affects more than 2.5 million American adults and accounts for approximately one-third of hospitalizations for cardiac rhythm disturbances. (1) Many individuals living with AFib have no symptoms and are unaware of their condition until they are suffering from complications.

 

How does an irregular heartbeat develop?

 

Your heart consists of four chambers- two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles). Within the upper right chamber of your heart (right atrium) is a group of cells called the sinus node. This is your heart’s natural pacemaker. The sinus node produces the impulse that normally starts each heartbeat. The pathways have specific signals through the connecting pathways between the chambers to contract and pump blood to the ventricles below and out of your body.

 

In atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of your heart (atria) experience chaotic electrical signals. As a result, they quiver. The AV node — the electrical connection between the atria and the ventricles — is bombarded with impulses trying to get through to the ventricles. The ventricles also beat rapidly, but not as rapidly as the atria, as not all the impulses get through. The reason is that the AV node is like a highway on-ramp — only so many vehicles can get on at one time. (2) The result is a fast and irregular heart rhythm. The heart rate in atrial fibrillation may range from 100 to 175 beats a minute. The normal range for a heart rate is 60 to 100 beats a minute.

 

There are 4 different types of AFib. They range from occasional where the symptoms come and go, lasting for a few minutes or hours and then stopping on their own to permanent where the abnormal heart rhythm can’t restored. You will need medication to control your heart rate.

 

AFib has been known to feel like thunder rumbling, drums pounding or fish flopping in the chest. Other symptoms include confusion, weakness or fatigue.

 

What are the causes and risks associated with AFib?

 

Abnormalities or damage to the heart’s structure are the most common cause of atrial fibrillation. Possible causes include:

 

• High blood pressure
• Heart Attacks
• Coronary Heart Disease
• Congenital Heart Defects

What puts you at risk for atrial fibrillation?

 

• Age: The older you are, the greater at risk
• Heart Disease: heart valve problems, congenital defects and history of heart attacks increase the risk
• High Blood Pressure: Especially when not controlled with lifestyle change or medication
• Obesity
• Family History

 

While there are some risks that we cannot change such as age and family history, there are risks that we can lower by taking part in a healthy lifestyle which includes an exercise program, eating healthy and limiting alcohol.

 

Exercise and Atrial Fibrillation

 

Let’s take a closer look at what an exercise program might look like if you have AFib.

 

There are no specific exercises for those with AFib, nor are there any strict restrictions. Raising our heart rate tends to be the goal when exercising, so when it is already elevated we might need to change a few things. Here’s what can happen when exercising with AFib:

 

1. Atrial fibrillation can reduce the efficiency of the heart — the amount of blood reaching the muscles during exercise is less than when the heart is in normal rhythm
2. Sometimes the heart rate and rhythm are normal when a person with atrial fibrillation is in a relaxed or resting state, but the heart goes out of rhythm, or suddenly accelerates to a very rapid rate, when atrial fibrillation develops during exercise
3. Your atrial fibrillation medications can slow down your heart rate, which can prevent you from reaching your target heart rate during exercise

Here are some tips on keeping yourself safe while exercising.

• Use an alternative method of monitoring your heart rate. Because medications can slow your pulse, try using the rate of perceived exertion when working out. This scale allows you to feel how hard you are working and be able to work harder or push back depending on how you feel. You should be able to speak a sentence without gasping.
• Hydrate properly. If someone with atrial fibrillation has a heart muscle that is weak or stiff, they may have to restrict how much fluid they drink. Hydrate enough for exercise safety but not exceeding fluid restrictions. (3)
• Set realistic goals. Don’t jump into a difficult training program if you are just starting to exercise. Ease into it and listen to your body if you need to stop.
• Try interval training. Some with AFib experience a decrease in exercise endurance. Interval training may work well as you can push yourself for short bouts and then have a chance to recover before starting again.
• Don’t hold your breath while strength training. Sometime the heavier the weight, the more prone you are to holding your breath through the exercise. Be mindful of breathing through each repetition and try to use weight that doesn’t feel too heavy.
• Don’t overheat. Some medications used to treat atrial fibrillation can lower your blood pressure, making you more sensitive to heat. (3) Take frequent breaks and drink water. If you ever feel dizzy or lightheaded during exercise, stop immediately.

 

If a doctor determines that you have atrial fibrillation, your course of treatment may depend on how long you have had it, the underlying cause and how bad your symptoms are.

 

If you feel you may be at risk, take the AFib risk assessment here: http://www.afibrisk.org/ While this is not a replacement for getting a diagnosis through a medical exam and tests performed by your doctor, it might allow you to be more aware of how AFib can affect you.

 

Keeping you healthy and safe is our goal. Contact us to get started on your journey.

 

References:

 

1. “Atrial Fibrillation Awareness”. Accessed 22, August 2016. Heart Rhythm Society. http://www.hrsonline.org/News/Atrial-Fibrillation-AFib-Awareness
2. “Atrial Fibrillation”. Accessed 22, August 2016. Mayoclinic.org. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atrial-fibrillation/home/ovc-20164923
3. “Eight Exercise Safety Tips for Atrial Fibrillation”. Accessed 22, August 2016. Everydayhealth.com. http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/atrial-fibrillation-and-stroke/afib-exercise-safety-tips/