Atrial fibrillation living in adults

Overview

Atrial fibrillation, often called AFib or AF, is a heart condition where the upper chambers of your heart beat irregularly and often too fast. This means your heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should. It's a common heart rhythm problem.

Yes, atrial fibrillation is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder. It affects millions of adults worldwide, and the risk increases as you get older.

Atrial fibrillation can affect anyone, but it's most common in adults over 65. People with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or who are overweight are more likely to develop it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Heart palpitations—a feeling like your heart is racing, flopping, or beating unevenly.
• Shortness of breath, especially during activity.
• Fatigue or feeling unusually tired.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Chest discomfort or a feeling of pressure.

Symptoms in children

• Atrial fibrillation is rare in children, but if it occurs, symptoms may include rapid heartbeat, fainting, or poor feeding. Always consult a doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, AFib may cause no symptoms at all, or it can cause fatigue, confusion, or trouble breathing. Sometimes the only sign is a fast or irregular pulse.

Causes

Main causes

• High blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading cause.
• Heart disease, including coronary artery disease or heart valve problems.
• Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
• Heavy alcohol use or binge drinking.
• Lung diseases like sleep apnea or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Risk factors

• Age (over 65).
• Obesity.
• Diabetes.
• Family history of atrial fibrillation.
• Smoking.
• Long-term intense athletic training (in some cases).

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any symptoms of a stroke (sudden numbness, weakness, trouble speaking, or severe headache), call emergency services immediately.
• If you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, or feel like you might faint, seek urgent medical help.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice your heart racing or fluttering, especially if it lasts for a few minutes or happens often.
• If you have risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes, talk to your doctor about heart health during regular check-ups.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will start by listening to your heart with a stethoscope and checking your pulse. They may order an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which is a simple, painless test that records your heart's electrical activity.

Tests that may be done

• An ECG to check your heart's rhythm at the time of the test.
• A Holter monitor (a portable ECG device you wear for 24–48 hours) to catch irregular rhythms that come and go.
• An event recorder (a longer-term monitor you wear for up to 30 days) if symptoms are rare.
• Blood tests to check thyroid function, kidney function, and electrolyte levels.
• An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) to look at your heart's structure and function.

What to expect at your appointment

These tests are non-invasive and usually done in a clinic or hospital. You may need to keep a diary of your symptoms. Diagnosis is often straightforward, but sometimes it can take time to catch the irregular rhythm.

Treatment

Treatment for atrial fibrillation aims to control your heart rate or rhythm, reduce your risk of stroke, and manage any underlying causes. Your doctor will create a personalized plan based on your symptoms, overall health, and preferences.

Self-care at home

• Take all medications exactly as prescribed—don't stop or change them without talking to your doctor.
• Limit or avoid alcohol, especially binge drinking.
• Quit smoking if you smoke.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
• Keep a healthy weight through diet and exercise.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medicines to help control your heart rate or restore a normal rhythm. These may include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, or other rhythm-control medications. You may also need blood thinners (anticoagulants) to prevent blood clots and reduce stroke risk. Regular blood tests may be needed to monitor treatment. Always discuss all medications and doses with your healthcare team.

When is surgery considered?

If medications don't work well enough, your doctor might suggest a procedure called cardioversion (an electrical shock to reset your heart rhythm) or catheter ablation (a procedure to destroy small areas of heart tissue causing the irregular signals). These are generally safe and effective.

Living with this condition

Living with atrial fibrillation involves managing your condition day by day. Take your medications regularly, keep follow-up appointments, and monitor your symptoms. Some people use a home blood pressure monitor or pulse oximeter to track their heart rate. Stay informed and talk openly with your healthcare team.

Lifestyle tips

• Monitor your pulse as directed by your doctor to detect changes.
• Avoid triggers like too much caffeine or alcohol.
• Get enough sleep and manage stress.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a card saying you have AFib.

Diet and exercise

Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit salt, sugar, and saturated fat. Regular moderate exercise, like walking or swimming, is generally safe and beneficial. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have other heart conditions.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It's normal to feel anxious or worried about your heart condition. Some people experience depression. Talk to your doctor if you're struggling—counselling or support groups can help. Remember, you are not alone, and many people manage AFib well.

Prevention

You can't always prevent atrial fibrillation, but you can lower your risk by managing high blood pressure, keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, not smoking, and treating other health conditions like diabetes or sleep apnea.

Vaccines

Get an annual flu vaccine and other recommended vaccinations such as the pneumococcal vaccine, as infections can sometimes trigger AFib or make it worse.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for atrial fibrillation in the general population. Your doctor may check your pulse during regular visits, especially if you have risk factors. Some smartwatches and home devices can detect irregular rhythms, but these are not substitutes for professional medical diagnosis.

Complications

If left untreated

• Stroke: the most serious risk, as blood clots form in the heart and travel to the brain.
• Heart failure: the heart may become too weak to pump enough blood to the body.
• Chronic fatigue and reduced quality of life.
• Blood clots in other parts of the body.

Long-term outlook

With the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments, the outlook for people with atrial fibrillation is generally good. Most people can manage their symptoms, reduce the risk of stroke, and continue to enjoy a full, active life. It's important to work closely with your healthcare team and stay on top of your health.

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