AFib Treatment in San Antonio
What is AFib?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia that may interfere with a person’s normal blood flow. This interruption is what makes people with AFib more at risk for blood clots and stroke. AFib may either be permanent or may also come and go. It is more common in adults aged 65 and above.
At least 2.7 million Americans live with AFib, though not all experience symptoms or even know they have the condition.
Take a Heart Risk Assessment Request a Cardiologist Referral
What Happens During AFib?
During AFib, the electrical signals (from a group of cells) that tell your heart to start beating become faulty. This malfunction affects two upper chambers of the heart (called atria) and causes them to quiver. It also disrupts the blood flow into the lower chambers of the heart or the ventricles and causes them to contract faster or in an irregular manner. Because of this, the ventricles may not be able to pump blood to the rest of your body as it should.
The trembling in your atria may lead to blood pooling which may further cause blood clots. These blood clots may pump out of the heart, go to the brain and cause blockages, which may then lead to a stroke.
What Causes AFib?
The exact cause of AFib remains unknown. However, some conditions that may negatively affect your heart health and eventually lead to AFib include
- Congestive heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disease
- High blood pressure
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Overactive thyroid gland
- Pericarditis (inflammation of the covering of the heart)
- Thyroid disease
Heart surgery, binge drinking and taking certain medications may also lead to AFib.
Some episodes of atrial fibrillation resolve on their own, some come and go, and others become permanent. But as mentioned, in general, atrial fibrillation is a serious condition that can lead to stroke, heart failure, chronic fatigue, inconsistent blood supply, and some other heart rhythm problems. Strokes caused by atrial fibrillation tend to be more serious than strokes from other causes. This happens when a blood clot or plaque (fatty deposits) in the lining of blood vessels blocks blood flow to the brain. Atrial fibrillation can be life-threatening if left untreated, so be sure to talk to a doctor as soon as you see signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the best way to reduce your risk of atrial fibrillation. Eat a heart-healthy diet (avoid salt, saturated fat, and foods high in cholesterol). Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly. Control your blood pressure. Avoid smoking and limit your alcohol and caffeine intake. These things can help keep your heart healthy and prevent other chronic conditions.
Baptist Health System has board-certified cardiac specialists who provide various treatment options and procedures for atrial fibrillation. However, many people may not even know they have atrial fibrillation. Having a heart exam can provide an evaluation and diagnosis that leads to a treatment plan to help reduce the risks of serious complications. Treatments for atrial fibrillation may include
- Heart rate and rhythm medications
- Blood thinners that can prevent blood clots and therefore reduce the risk of stroke
- Electrophysiological treatments such as pacemaker placement or ablation
- Lifestyle changes
Your health can't wait. Understand your heart health to stay up, track, or make a plan. Safe care is available to evaluate electrical problems of the heart, such as atrial fibrillation. Finding out and taking action can save your life.