Things to Know about Chronic or Persistent A-fib

Atrial fibrillation or A-fib is a condition in which the upper two chambers of the ticker beat quickly and irregularly that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. Chronic atrial fibrillation is a term used to describe the condition in individuals who experience long-term symptoms. Chronic A-fib may also be called long-standing, persistent A-fib.

Symptoms:

Individuals with A-fib might not have any symptoms at all. Other people may experience symptoms or a combination of symptoms like fatigue, fluttering feeling in the chest, palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, general weakness, sweating and dizziness. Someone experiencing these symptoms for the first time should visit emergency room with immediate effect as the symptoms can be signs of other cardiac problem, including a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Furthermore, someone diagnosed with A-fib should also see their healthcare provider if they notice a change in their symptoms.

Risk Factors:

Anyone, even individuals who are otherwise healthy can develop chronic A-fib. The risk factors that put some people at higher risk for developing chronic A-fib include high blood pressure, diabetes, lung disease, alcohol consumption in excess, thyroid problems, previous open heart surgery, problems with the ticker structure, untreated atrial flutter (an abnormal heart rhythm that starts in the atrial chambers of the ticker), coronary artery disease, inflammation around the ticker, cardiomyopathy, sick sinus syndrome, a family history of A-fib, other serious illnesses or infections.

Treatment:

Treatment options for chronic A-fib includes lifestyle changes, medications, surgery, ablation, pacemakers or similar devices, procedures to reset the ticker’s rhythm. Lifestyle changes include following a healthy diet that is good for the ticker and performing the recommended amount of exercise. Quit smoking and reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake.

Along with lifestyle changes, healthcare providers typically recommend medications such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers (slowing down abnormally fast heart rate), antiarrhythmics (restoring normal heart rhythm), blood thinners and medications to treat related conditions like thyroid problems, high blood pressure, etc.- to manage the risks and symptoms of chronic A-fib. Medications may not improve the symptoms entirely for some people, so they may require an electronic device to manage the condition. The devices include pacemakers and implanted cardioverter defibrillator that regulate the ticker by delivering a controlled shock to the ticker when there’s a need to reset the rhythm. A doctor inserts these devices into a person’s chest. A doctor sometimes recommends a procedure to reset the person’s ticker rhythm using a catheter ablation or cardioversion.

Preventive Measures:

It’s not always possible to prevent A-fib, but you can take a few steps to stay healthy which invariably reduces the risk of developing the condition. Eat a diet rich in omega 3s, fruits, whole grains, and vegetables; keep your blood sugar levels in check; exercise regularly; control blood pressure; limit alcohol consumption; quit smoking; maintain a healthy weight; avoid excess caffeine and avoid trans and saturated fats. If your A-fib is associated with another illness, the underlying condition needs to be treated to stop A-fib.

Consult with your doctor or dietitian who can help create a general health plan to help you reach your goals safely.

Efficiently manage cardiac emergencies by getting CPR trained. For more information or to join a course at the AHA certified CPR Columbus, call on 614-321-2094.