Do you ever feel tired and short of breath? Maybe you didn’t sleep well last night, or your allergies are acting up. Even a little bit of extra weight can have you huffing and puffing after going up the stairs. However, another underlying issue could be atrial fibrillation, or AFib. But what is atrial fibrillation?
However, if these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with your primary care provider.
“Heart and lung issues are among the main causes of shortness of breath,” Umashankar Lakshmanadoss, MD, (pictured above, left), an electrophysiologist in our Cincinnati market, says.
What is atrial fibrillation?
AFib occurs when the heart’s upper chambers beat out of sync with the heart’s lower chambers.
“In atrial fibrillation, the atria do not contract regularly; they fibrillate at a rapid rate,” Gerri Hempfling, APRN-CNP, (pictured above, right), a cardiology provider in our Lima market, explains. “This causes ineffective, irregular flow to the bottom two chambers and an irregular pumping response as well by the lower chambers as they attempt to follow the upper chambers.
The fast heart rate associated with atrial fibrillation can weaken the heart muscle and lead to a decrease in your heart’s pumping function. Left untreated, AFib increases your risk for stroke, heart failure and other issues.
What are the causes of atrial fibrillation?
The causes of atrial fibrillation include high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, thyroid issues, viral infections and sleep apnea. Additionally, your age, family history, chronic medical conditions, weight and alcohol consumption can also increase your risk for developing AFib.
“Acute or chronic conditions that place undue stress on the heart can trigger atrial fibrillation,” Gerri says. “As for symptoms of AFib, they include feelings of irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath – especially with activity – as well as fatigue, lightheartedness or dizziness, chest discomfort, water retention and/or swelling or sudden symptoms of stroke may occur.”
Dr. Lakshmanadoss adds, “It’s important to note that some people experience no symptoms at all with AFib. That’s just one additional reason why it’s important to have regular check-ups with your primary care provider, who will listen to your heart and can recommend next steps if you have a fast or irregular heartbeat.”
Luckily, AFib is treatable!
“AFib is diagnosed with an electrocardiogram (EKG) tracing,” Gerri explains.
From there, treatment options include medication or a brief electrical shock to reset the heart’s rhythm. If those don’t get the condition under control, ablation is another option.
“An ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that we perform in the catheterization laboratory,” Dr. Lakshmanadoss explains. “We use heat or cold to burn or freeze the areas of heart tissue that cause AFib. With proper and timely treatment, patients can see their energy levels restored.”
Learn more about atrial fibrillation and find a Mercy Health primary care provider near you.
