Could That Flutter in Your Chest Be Atrial Fibrillation?

The American Heart Association estimates that more than 10 million Americans have atrial fibrillation, or a-fib, the most common kind of irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia. A-fib occurs when the heart’s upper chambers beat erratically, or quiver, and don’t sync with the heart’s lower chambers. Learn more about  how a-fib occurs. 

Some people may only experience a-fib every now and then. For others with persistent a-fib, their heart rhythm won’t return to normal on its own. Undiagnosed or untreated a-fib can be dangerous, causing heart failure or stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a-fib causes about 1 in 7 strokes.  

The good news is that once it’s diagnosed, a-fib can often be treated with medication or minimally invasive procedures such as cardioversion or ablation. 

What causes a-fib?

Electrical impulses in the heart regulate its beating. A-fib occurs when these impulses become erratic. Some of the risk factors for this include:

• High blood pressure 
• Age
• Viral infections
• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Chronic lung diseases
• Stress
• Coronary artery or heart valve disease

Sometimes, however, a-fib occurs without the patient having any obvious trigger.

Know the symptoms of a-fib

A-fib symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include: 

• Anxiety
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Difficulty exercising
• Feeling as if your heart is racing, pounding, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Shortness of breath

When you need to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience a-fib symptoms. If you have an irregular heartbeat, your doctor may refer you to an electrophysiologist, a cardiologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart arrhythmias.  

Treatment options for a-fib

Treatment is often successful in controlling a-fib and improving the quality of life for patients.  

• Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medicine to slow and regulate your heartbeat as the first line of treatment.
• Cardioversion: If medications don’t work, you may have a cardioversion, where mild electric impulses shock your heart back into a normal rhythm.
• Ablation: Patients whose a-fib isn’t controlled by medication or cardioversion may need to have an ablation. During this procedure, a doctor maps the heart to pinpoint the exact area causing the arrhythmia and creates tiny scars to block abnormal electrical signals. 

Knowing the signs of a-fib and understanding your treatment options can help protect your heart health. Learn more by visiting BJC.org/Heart or call 314-273-2315 to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist.