Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms, Causes, Risks, and Treatment

Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms, Causes, Risks, and Treatment

We all share a common goal: to protect our hearts. In India, heart health is becoming more critical every day. We must learn about conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common irregular heart rhythm that prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively and reduces blood flow to the body.

The prevalence rate of atrial fibrillation has been reported between 0.1% to 5.1% in various Indian studies. The rate of new atrial fibrillation cases globally is 0.1% per year in people aged under 40, and it increases to 2% in those older than 80 years. Indian patients with atrial fibrillation are often about a decade younger, within 60-62 years, than patients in Western countries, 70-72 years.

If we work together, we can spot the signs early and get the proper care at leading multispecialty hospitals, such as SRM Global Hospitals.

Types of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation occurs mainly in four different types:

  1. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (lasts less than 7 days)

  2. Persistent atrial fibrillation (lasts more than 7 days)

  3. Long-standing atrial fibrillation (lasts more than a year)

  4. Permanent atrial fibrillation (always present, couldn’t restore normal heart rhythm).

Causes of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation can be:

  • Valvular AFib – due to heart valve problems
  • Non-valvular AFib – due to issues like high BP and coronary artery disease

People with underlying heart disease have a higher chance of getting atrial fibrillation, which doctors at SRM Global Hospitals usually see in daily practice.

Major Causes and Risks

  • High blood pressure
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
    • Breathing stops or becomes shallow during sleep
    • Affects 40–60% adults globally with atrial fibrillation
  • Long-term pressure on the heart
    • A common reason for non-valvular atrial fibrillation
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
    • Can trigger sudden rhythm changes
    • Binge drinking can make the heart beat fast and lead to rhythm trouble
  • Congenital heart disease
    • Can raise the risk of rhythm problems later in life
  • Sick sinus syndrome
    • The heart’s sinus node becomes weak
    • Can slow the heartbeat and trigger atrial fibrillation
  • Long-term heart disease
    • Increases the risk of atrial fibrillation over time

Family History

Your family history could highlight your risk of developing atrial fibrillation, as they share heart traits that can affect the heart’s upper chambers. Genetic factors are thought to account for about 20-30% of cases of atrial fibrillation. If your parents or siblings have atrial fibrillation, your risk is higher. It suggests that genetic factors are involved in the heart’s electrical system. Some genetic changes can affect how fast the heart cells pass signals. If you have a family member with atrial fibrillation, you should be proactive about heart health. People with a family history of heart disease need regular heart checks. Centres like SRM Global Hospitals offer advanced screening tests that can help detect atrial fibrillation early.

Heart Rate/ Heart Rhythm

The abnormal electrical activity can lead to serious issues like stroke and heart failure by making the upper chambers of the heart beat rapidly (fibrillate) at a rate of over 100 beats per minute, instead of beating normally, like 60- 100 beats per minute. When atrial fibrillation symptoms occur, the lower heart chambers may also beat fast.

Blood Clots

The most serious cause of atrial fibrillation is the formation of blood clots. When the upper chambers (atria) beat weakly, blood flow to the heart slows, allowing a blood clot to form, often in the left atrial appendage. The atrial fibrillation clots can travel to the brain through blood vessels, through arteries, causing a stroke, and can increase the risk by up to five times if left untreated. In a study of stroke patients in India, 25.2% had atrial fibrillation as a cause.

Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms

Recognising atrial fibrillation symptoms is the first step toward better health. The signs can be subtle.

Common symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation include:

  • Rapid, chaotic heartbeat – a key sign of an irregular heartbeat

  • Very high heart rate, which can lead to a rapid ventricular response

  • Weakness

  • Dizziness

  • Chest pain

  • Shortness of breath

Atrial Flutter vs Atrial Fibrillation: Similar One

Atrial flutter, which could also increase the stroke risks and heart failure, is very similar to atrial fibrillation, as both are abnormal heart rhythm problems. In atrial flutter, the upper chambers beat fast. But they won in a more organised, regular pattern compared to AFib. Like AFib, atrial flutter can be treated with methods that restore normal heart rhythm, and the goal remains to prevent blood clots.

Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis: Blood Tests

Blood tests are a simple yet essential tool in finding the cause of atrial fibrillation. Expert doctors leading hospitals, such as SRM Global Hospitals, use blood tests to check for conditions that can trigger or worsen atrial fibrillation.

Blood tests help identify:

  • Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid hormones)
    • Can cause a fast heartbeat
  • Kidney diseases/kidney function levels
    • Chronic kidney disease is a significant risk factor for atrial fibrillation
  • Blood pressure
  • Blood sugar
    • Help rule out diabetes

Atrial Fibrillation Treatments:

Finding the proper atrial fibrillation treatment depends on many factors. These include the type of atrial fibrillation and the patient’s other risk factors.

Treatment options include:

  • Cardiovascular medicines to help maintain a steady rhythm and support smooth blood flow
  • Calcium channel blockers to slow the heart rate
  • Blood thinners to reduce the risk of stroke

Along with medicines, advanced treatment options at multispeciality healthcare facilities, such as SRM Global Hospitals, could provide the best cure.

Electrical Cardioversion

For patients who need to restore normal rhythm, a doctor might use electrical cardioversion, a controlled electric shock that resets the electrical system. Cardioversion works best when the heart has no fresh blood clot. Doctors give blood thinners before the shock to prevent a stroke. Many people feel better once the rhythm turns steady again.

Catheter Ablation

For some people with atrial fibrillation, upon medication, they could undergo a catheter ablation, a procedure that uses tiny tubes called catheters to guide them to the heart. The catheter procedure often focuses on the area around the pulmonary veins (the lungs to the heart), where the abnormal electrical signals originate. They deliver heat (radiofrequency) or cold (cryoablation) energy to destroy small areas that cause abnormal electrical signals, restoring a normal heartbeat.

Catheter Ablation helps stop abnormal electrical signals in the heart’s upper chambers. Studies show that up to 80-90% of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (lasting less than 7 days) may achieve relief after a single catheter ablation procedure. Some people need a second ablation if signals return. Doctors use clear steps from cardiovascular medicine to guide the treatment plan, which leading centres, including SRM Global Hospitals, follow with expert care.

Atrial Fibrillation Prevention

Early screening for heart problems can help identify risk in people with many health issues. A healthy weight lowers strain on the heart and helps steady the beat. Reasonable control of high blood pressure reduces the chance of rhythm trouble. Stopping blood clots is a key part of stroke prevention in AFib care. A clot forms when blood slows in the heart’s upper left chamber, so some people may need left atrial appendage closure to lower clot risk. Reasonable care of lung disease lowers strain on the heart’s rhythm system. People with a history of heart surgery need regular checks to monitor their heartbeats, which means hospitals with advanced healthcare facilities, such as SRM Global Hospital, can perform these efficiently.

Simple daily habits can make a substantial difference in future heart health and help prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Early checks, healthy weight, safe habits, and steady follow-up prevent stroke, heart failure, and rhythm problems. Regular monitoring and advanced care at SRM Global Hospitals keep the heart strong.

Book your appointment today with SRM Global Hospitals and take control of your heart health!

FAQs on Atrial Fibrillation:

Is Atrial Fibrillation curable or permanent?

Some people have short-term types of atrial fibrillation that stop with proper medical care. Some have long-term afib that needs steady treatment. With the right plan from SRM Global Hospitals, most people stay safe and feel better.

Can I still exercise with AFIB? Won't it make my heart beat too fast?

Light to moderate exercise is safe for most people. It helps your heart and mood. Your doctor will guide you on how much you can do. Stop if you feel dizzy, weak, or breathless.

I had a catheter ablation. Does this mean I can stop taking my blood thinners?

Not always. Many people still need blood thinners to prevent clots. Your doctor will check your risk and tell you when it is safe to stop.

Can I use a fitness tracker or a smart watch to monitor my Atrial Fibrillation?

Yes. These tools help you track your pulse and spot odd beats. They do not replace a medical check. Share the readings with your doctor for the right advice.

What are the options if I can't take blood thinners (anticoagulants)?

A device called a left atrial appendage plug can lower stroke risk. It blocks the small pouch where clots form in an afib. Your heart doctor will check if it fits your case.