Atrial Fibrillation Facts: 7 Myths About Having an Irregular Heartbeat

When it comes to AFib, can you separate atrial fibrillation facts from fiction?

AFib, or atrial fibrillation, is also sometimes called arrhythmia. Basically, these are all fancy words for an irregular heartbeat, which happens when your heart rhythm starts unexpectedly beating faster than usual.

Sometimes atrial fibrillation isn’t as dangerous as you think. Other times, it can mean blood isn’t moving correctly in your body. Therefore, there are many AFib myths to debunk.

“Dispelling myths surrounding atrial fibrillation is important in providing individuals with accurate information to make informed decisions about their cardiovascular health,” Reza Mehzad, MD, an electrophysiologist in our Cincinnati market, shares. “And understanding the facts behind irregular heart rhythms, like AFib, is central for effective management and treatment.”

What are the causes of atrial fibrillation?

First, it helps to know the causes of atrial fibrillation. Your heart beats are controlled by the electrical signals that help your heart and brain communicate. During AFib, the two upper chambers of the heart squeeze too fast and out of sync.

It’s a bit difficult to understand why someone experiences AFib. But some risk factors that could lead to this condition include:

• Age
• Birth defects
• Diabetes
• Genes
• History of heart attack
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Heart failure
• Lung disease
• Obesity
• Sleep apnea
• Viral infections

Any one of these events could damage your heart’s electrical system, making it misfire.

Here are seven common myths as well as atrial fibrillation facts.

Myth 1: A fluttering heart stops beating soon.

The fact is that it’s unlikely your heart will stop beating during AFib. An AFib attack is still serious, though, because it could cause problems over time.

For example:

• With irregular heartbeats, blood clots form more easily, causing a risk of stroke.
• Irregular heartbeats mean fluid can build up in your lungs.
• Too little blood reaching your heart can result in an irregular heartbeat.

These long-term problems may happen if you don’t get proper treatment.

Myth 2: You can’t exercise with AFib.

Regular physical exercise is good for atrial fibrillation! Physical activity strengthens your heart and will likely lessen your episodes of AFib. However, it is a good idea to practice gentle exercises, like yoga, if you have AFib.

Myth 3: You can’t have sexual intercourse with AFib.

Having sex is fine if you have atrial fibrillation, as sex reduces stress. It helps you connect and become closer to your partner, which is good for lessening AFib episodes.

Myth 4: You’ll always have AFib.

For some people with AFib, it can be progressive. For others, it may only occur in episodes. Some people only have occasional atrial fibrillation episodes that never become a chronic problem. If you’re young and healthy but have experienced AFib, chances are you may not have another episode.

Myth 5: You need a pacemaker or surgery to stop AFib.

Your doctor might first recommend medication to treat atrial fibrillation. There are medications to help control your heart rate and slow it down.

However, if your AFib is chronic and non-invasive treatments aren’t working, your doctor may recommend a surgery called ablation. Ablation is a procedure that scars or destroys tissue near your heart that may cause your abnormal heart rhythm. Your doctor might also recommend a pacemaker if your heart rhythm is too slow and you haven’t responded to other treatments. This is a device that regulates your heartbeats.

Myth 6: You can’t drive anymore if you have AFib.

You don’t have to give up driving if your atrial fibrillation is under control. However, there are guidelines about driving with an AFib diagnosis. These come from The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some arrhythmias can cause a person to faint, which causes problems behind the wheel. Certain treatments, such as ablation, mean you may not be able to drive for a few months until your heart stabilizes. Talk to your doctor about whether it’s OK for you to drive with AFib.

Now that you’ve learned some atrial fibrillation facts, you may be ready to speak with a medical specialist.

Learn more about the heart and vascular services we provide at Mercy Health