Have you ever felt your heart skip a beat or sort of flip-flop? Does it race and feel like it’s banging against your chest? If you answered yes, you may be one of the 2.7 million Americans living with atrial fibrillation (sometimes called AFib or AF).
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of treated heart arrhythmia. The upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat irregularly and out of coordination with the lower chambers (ventricles).
AFib can occur in brief episodes or be a permanent condition. And while it is not life-threatening on its own, it’s a serious medical condition and can require emergency treatment. It can lead to blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.
Symptoms of AFib
Although it’s possible to have atrial fibrillation and not show any symptoms, you may experience one or more of the following:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart palpitations (rapid, fluttering, or pounding)
- Lightheadedness
- Extreme fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Understanding Your Risk
People of European descent are more likely to develop AFib than African Americans. Risk also increases with age. And since women generally live longer than men, more women suffer from AFib.
Lifestyle habits such as smoking and moderate to heavy alcohol use are contributing factors, as well as certain underlying medical conditions:
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Heart failure
- Ischemic heart disease
- Sleep Apnea
- Hyperthyroidism
- Chronic kidney disease
- Enlargement of the chambers on the left side of the heart
When To See A Doctor
If you have symptoms or concerns of atrial fibrillation, please schedule an appointment at our clinic. We will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a physical exam. You may need additional testing, such as an electrocardiogram, a holter or event monitor, echocardiogram, blood tests, a stress test, or a chest X-ray.
If you have unusual chest pain, call 911 or go straight to the emergency room. Chest pain may signal that you’re having a heart attack.