The heart is a delicate organ that requires protection, making it vital to take steps to keep it healthy. Many people around the world face various heart conditions, ranging from mild to severe. Therefore, it is essential to monitor your health regularly. Staying on top of your primary care, managing your diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking can all help prevent heart-related issues.
Many heart diseases impact individuals, and atrial fibrillation (AFib) is one of them. AFib affects the rhythm of the heart and can lead to complications that impact a person’s daily life. We had the opportunity to speak with Cardiology Nurse Practitioner Aisha Musoke, MSN, APRN, AGACNP-BC, to learn more about AFib, its effects on the body, and how individuals can manage their diagnosis.
What is AFib?
AFib, or atrial fibrillation, is an irregular beating of the heart that primarily affects the top chambers, known as the atria. In contrast to a normal heart rhythm, where the heart contracts regularly, AFib causes the atria to fibrillate, leading to an inconsistent heartbeat.
What causes A-fib?
Various factors can cause AFib, including,
- Electrolyte abnormalities
- Sleep apnea
- Obesity
- Heart diseases
AFib can present either as a temporary condition that comes and goes (paroxysmal AFib) or as a persistent condition for longer periods (chronic AFib).
What are common symptoms of AFib?
In some cases, people with AFib may not notice symptoms, but many experience them. According to the Mayo Clinic, individuals may have symptoms such as:
- Palpitations
- Chest Pain
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
Who is at risk of developing AFib?
AFib is more common in specific populations. Typically, it primarily affects older adults, especially those who have a history of heart disease or obstructive heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, where blockages in the blood vessels can occur. Additionally, individuals who have undergone open-heart surgery may also experience irregular heart rhythms like AFib postoperatively.
It's important to monitor these patient groups closely, as they are at a higher risk for developing AFib. Another critical factor includes untreated obstructive sleep apnea, which can significantly contribute to the onset of this condition.
Additional risk factors include:
- Underlying heart disease
- Drinking alcohol
- Family history
- Other chronic conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and asthma.
Being aware of these risk factors is essential for early identification and management of AFib.
What effects does AFib have on the body?
The importance of listening to your body and ensuring you are monitoring your condition is especially essential when living with AFib. Uncontrolled AFib can have significant effects on the body and can affect the heart’s rhythm and function. During episodes of AFib, the heart may beat irregularly and often rapidly, which can lead to various complications.
- AFib causes irregular and often rapid heartbeat, which can lead to insufficient blood flow to the body. The irregular rhythm can disrupt normal heart function.
- Many patients with AFib experience a rapid heart rate, which is known as atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response (RVR), meaning that the heart rate can exceed 100 beats per minute, which puts extra strain on the heart.
- The risk of stroke increases because the irregular beating can cause blood to pool in the heart, increasing the risk of clot formation, which can cause complications if it travels to the brain.
- The rapid heart rates associated with AFib can weaken the heart muscle, leading to heart failure. This makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively.
- If efforts to restore normal rhythm through medication, cardioversion, or ablation are unsuccessful, the focus shifts to long-term management to work on rate control. This is done by using medications to maintain a heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
While the impact of AFib on the body can vary among many individuals, careful management is required to alleviate risks and maintain a healthy heart.
Is developing AFib preventable?
In many cases, AFib can be preventable. While there are cases of primary AFib linked to specific conditions like valvular disease, the majority of the cases are secondary, which means they develop as a result of other health issues. Common triggers include a history of heart attacks, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and electrolyte imbalances. Additionally, untreated sleep apnea and morbid obesity are significant risk factors that can lead to the development of AFib. By effectively managing these underlying conditions and risk factors, it is possible to reduce the chance of developing atrial fibrillation.
Are there foods individuals should avoid when experiencing AFib?
While there aren’t specific foods to avoid directly related to AFib, those on anticoagulants (medication used to treat blood clots) like warfarin should manage their intake of vitamin K-rich foods, which can affect the medication’s efficacy.
Can you still lead a healthy life with an AFib?
Yes! It is possible to live a healthy life with AFib. While the condition can present various challenges, many people manage their condition successfully through the combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring. Here are a few tips to maintain a life with AFib:
- Medication Management: Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding your medication so that you can control your heart rate and rhythm and prevent blood clots.
- Monitor Regularly: Monitor your heart rhythm and any symptoms you may have. Additionally, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential.
- Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can support heart health. Limiting sodium, alcohol, and caffeine intake is also essential, as they can affect an individual’s heart rhythm.
- Exercise Regularly: Engage in regular physical activity to improve your cardiovascular health. Start off slowly, then gradually increase your activity levels. Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day can have a significant impact on your heart health.
- Stress Management: Find healthy ways to manage your stress. Yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help reduce the triggers of AFib.
- Stay Educated :The more you educate yourself about AFib and stay up to date with treatments and management strategies, the better chance you have of controlling the effects of AFib.
What can be done to correct AFib?
Several options are available for correcting atrial fibrillation (AFib). Initially, treatment may involve medications designed to control heart rate and rhythm, along with procedures such as cardioversion or cardiac ablation to restore a normal heartbeat. If AFib returns after the initial treatment, doctors may change their approach, focusing on controlling the heart rate rather than restoring the rhythm.
What do you do to encourage your patients to keep going while managing their diagnosis?
Encouraging patients who have been diagnosed with AFib is crucial for helping them manage their condition and follow their treatment regimen. Musoke emphasizes that encouragement involves meeting patients where they are, applauding their adherence to treatment, and establishing a supportive partnership in managing their diagnosis. Staying connected with your healthcare provider is essential for managing your condition. They can offer invaluable medical support, emotional assistance, and guidance to additional resources if necessary.
To learn more about the Cardiology Services offered at JPS Health Network, visit https://jpshealthnet.org/get-care/services/cardiology.