Atrial fibrillation refers to a medical condition that is characterized by irregular heartbeats. This usually happens because the atria (the two upper parts) quiver due to some dysfunction of the heart’s electrical system. Atrial fibrillation is risky, considering the fact that such irregular heartbeats may often lead to the pooling of blood. This pooling ultimately leads to the formation of clots, which not only block the smooth flow of blood but also travel to significant parts of the body, and subsequently harm them. Atrial fibrillation is also said to lead to fatal heart strokes if not treated beforehand.
THE CAUSES OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
Atrial fibrillation is usually caused by all those factors that weaken the heart muscles and lead to improper functioning of the cardiac system on the whole. Conditions like previous heart attacks, high blood pressure, and the presence of any heart disease or coronary artery disease act as the primary culprits for this particular medical issue. The other factors that also play a significant role in causing atrial fibrillation include high thyroid levels, lung diseases, previous heart surgery or heavy consumption of alcohol and drugs respectively.
THE GENERAL SYMPTOMS OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
Atrial fibrillation can be easily identified in an individual given the fact that he/she displays the following symptoms
Dizziness
Feeling light-headed
Chronic chest pain
Fainting issues
Uneven heartbeat condition
Suffering from breathlessness at particular times
High metric palpitations
If any of the above-mentioned symptoms are observed in the individual, it is absolutely necessary to have them consult the corresponding doctor and have this issue treated lest it should prove fatal in the long run.
POTENTIAL RISK FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AND STROKE
It is absolutely essential that one understands the potential risk factors that determine the complexity of atrial fibrillation and stroke. Some blatant factors which cater to this particular medical condition either directly or indirectly are listed below
Age bar
Those who are above the age of 60 are more likely to develop atrial fibrillation. Evidently, there is nothing we can do to avoid this, except for proper care and treatment of the same.
Obesity
Obesity is the primary culprit behind atrial fibrillation. This is because an obese condition implies greater stress on the heart for pumping blood to various parts of the body, ultimately leading to weakened heart muscles.
Genetic factors
If any of your family members suffer from this medical condition, there are chances that you are vulnerable to the same. The best option – have it treated before it goes out of the way to put your health at risk.
Sleep Apnea
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea before, you are more likely to develop atrial fibrillation in the long run. This is essentially the case where the breathing problems often take a heavy toll on your heart and lead to premature heart attacks.
Atrial fibrillation is a serious heart condition that could effect the quality as well as the span of life that an individual enjoys. If a person is showing any symptoms of the condition or suffer from chronic sleep apnea, it is very important to consult a doctor about it.
