6 common signs of atrial fibrillation

6 common signs of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is an irregular and abnormal heartbeat. Here, the upper chambers of the heart start beating out of sync, causing rapid contractions of the heart muscle up to 400 beats per minute. Contractions regulate the blood flow to and from the organ, so when dealing with AFib, blood can accumulate, causing various issues that require immediate treatment. So, one should keep an eye out for the following common signs of atrial fibrillation:

Palpitations
Atrial fibrillation primarily affects the regular heart rate, making the heartbeat race and pound against the rib cage. Those affected often experience a fluttering or pounding sensation in the heart and could describe the palpitations as the heart audibly skipping a beat. This sensation is extremely noticeable and is different from the normal palpitations one experiences due to anxiety or stress. The palpitations can develop erratically without any prior warning and can vary in intensity from person to person.

Shortness of breath
Breathlessness is a common symptom that overlaps with many known cardiovascular and respiratory issues. The heart is responsible for pumping freshly oxygenated blood from the lungs to other organs and extremities of the body. However, atrial fibrillation results in erratic circulation that could lead to shortness of breath. This symptom should not be overlooked.

Chest pain
Chest pain is one of the more serious signs of atrial fibrillation. Here, pain that radiates from the left arm and reaches the chest is an indicator of a heart attack. However, with AFib, the pain develops with a pressure system in the chest cavity that compromises respiration. Any pressure that builds up with or without shooting pains is a sign that the heart is unable to pump blood as it should.

Dizziness and confusion
The brain relies on a fresh supply of oxygen-rich blood to function. However, atrial fibrillation directly affects the heart’s ability to pump blood from the lungs to the brain. Here, the lack of oxygen affects brain function, usually interfering with cognitive processes, reasoning and analytical skills, and memory. Further, AFib can increase the risk of developing dizziness and even fainting due to prolonged oxygen cut-off to the brain. Keeping an eye out for such symptoms can help one seek timely treatment.

Fatigue
It is important to differentiate between weakness and fatigue. Weakness can be the result of poor nutrition, overexertion, and even unhealthy lifestyle choices. On the other hand, fatigue can be brought on by health conditions, especially cardiovascular issues that compromise respiration, increase the risk of anemia, and lower the body’s immunity to fight off diseases. These issues are triggered by the lack of oxygen-rich blood circulating in the body. So, those affected may experience low energy and extreme exhaustion.

Sleep-related issues
AFib can cause nighttime symptoms like heavy breathing while sleeping, frequent night sweats, interrupted sleep due to an uneasy sensation in the chest, and feelings of anxiety after waking up. Those with AFib may also develop sleep apnea that interrupts breathing and causes further damage to the body due to reduced oxygen retention during circulation.

If one notices any persistent signs of atrial fibrillation, they should consult a cardiac specialist who can offer an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Our
Blog.

9 most common types of depression you should know about

9 most common types of depression you should know about

All of us feel low, upset, and unmotivated at some point in our life, but this isn’t classified as depression. Depression is a mood disorder that overshadows a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Signs and symptoms of this grave disorder can range from feeling hopeless and tired to completely losing the will to live. There are several types of depression and they are listed below so you can understand depression and people suffering from it better. Major Depression (Clinical Depression) The hallmark trait of this type of depression is the constant feeling of sadness or loss of interest in social life or any outside stimuli. It often lasts for two weeks or more in which a person can experience symptoms such as hopelessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) Dysthymia lasts for years and can disrupt daily life and interfere with personal and professional relationships. Individuals with dysthymia are often seen as dark, pessimistic, or complainers by others, and they have a hard time being happy in typically pleasant situations. Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) People with manic depression experience high degrees of mood swings. Their train of thought can take them from feeling euphoric to feeling suicidal in just a few weeks.
Read More
Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Pregnancy is a new experience in every couple’s life, and one should understand a few things to ensure that the nine months are smooth and stress-free. Simply being prepared for pregnancy and looking forward to the joy of parenthood is not all there’s to childbirth. As a couple, you must understand, review, and adjust your lifestyle. Expecting mothers become their child’s nurturers and supporters from day one, but the expecting fathers, close relatives, and friends must also understand the key roles they will play right up to the due date. Here are a few simple family and pregnancy guide points to help you and your folks get started: Staying healthy Physical and mental wellbeing is extremely crucial for the expecting mother to ensure both her and the baby’s health. Diet plays a crucial role in this process, as the mother is now providing nutrition for the developing fetus as well as herself. As a family, you can take turns to ensure that the to-be mother is staying physically active, eating healthy and regularly, and not cultivating any bad habits. More importantly, family and loved ones should be prepared for the changes to come in the upcoming trimesters. Coping with changes – what to expect Morning sickness in the first trimester is quite common and can put a woman’s body under tremendous stress.
Read More