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Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a condition that affects the heart’s rhythm and can have significant consequences if left untreated. It occurs when the heart’s upper chambers beats irregularly and often rapidly, disrupting the normal flow of blood into the heart’s lower chambers. This change in heart rhythm causes a sudden increase in the risk of blood clots, stroke, and other heart related problems. Atrial fibrillation severity can range from mild discomfort to life threatening events.

Normal Functioning of the Heart & AFib:
Normally, the heart’s electrical system sends signals that help regulate the rhythm of the heart, ensuring that the beats are at a steady pace and not fluctuating. However, in AFib, this electrical activity becomes chaotic and uncontrolled without any external stimulation such as anxiety, cardiovascular strain or physical activity, which can cause the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly, or in an uncoordinated manner.

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

  • Palpitations: A sensation of a fast, fluttering or pounding heart.
  • Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired or weak to even walk.
  • Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling winded during normal activities.
  • Dizziness or light-headedness: Drowsiness, lack of focus or spells of fainting.
  • Chest pain or discomfort: Some individuals may experience pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest.

Risk Factors & Causes

The causes of atrial fibrillation are often linked to other medical conditions diagnosed by Best cardiologist near me. Common risk factors include high blood pressure, heart disease, age, sleep apnea, excessive alcohol consumption, thyroid disorders

Successful Treatment Options for Atrial Fibrillation

Managing AFib typically involves a combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments, with more advanced procedures reserved for those who do not respond to conventional treatments.

  1. Medications:
    • Rhythm control: Antiarrhythmic drugs and beta blockers can be used to restore the heart given by Best cardiologist near me, to make the rhythm normal.
    • Blood thinners: Since AFib increases the risk of blood clots, anticoagulant medications are often prescribed to prevent strokes.
  1. Lifestyle Changes:
    • Maintaining a healthy body weight, BMI, consuming a balanced diet, and regularly exercising can help manage AFib to a great extent.
    • Avoid triggers like alcohol and stress to better manage its symptoms.
  1. Advanced Treatments:
    • Electrical Cardioversion: This procedure involves using electric shocks to reset the heart’s rhythm.

Ablation: In cases where medications are ineffective, a radiofrequency ablation may be used to destroy the abnormal heart tissue by Best Cardiologist in Chandigarh, responsible for the irregular heartbeat.

  1. Surgical options: For some, surgery to repair or replace damaged heart valves may be necessary.

Why Choose Us for Atrial Fibrillation Treatment?
At Best Heart Hospital in Mohali – Sohana Hospital, we understand the complexities of atrial fibrillation and the impact it can have on your life. With state of the art technology, compassionate care, and a team of Best Cardiologist in Chandigarh, we are committed to offering personalized treatment plans that cater to each patient’s unique needs. Whether through medical management, world class minimally invasive procedures or surgery, if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of AFib, don’t wait reach out to us.