Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. It occurs when the heart’s electrical signals become disorganized, causing the upper chambers of the heart to beat irregularly and pump blood less effectively.
• AFib may sometimes cause noticeable symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, dizziness, or palpitations. However, many people experience no symptoms at all, which makes early detection especially important.
• If left untreated, AFib can lead to serious complications such as stroke and heart failure. The risk of developing AFib increases with age, but it can occur at any stage of life, even in people without obvious risk factors.

Everyday activities such as climbing a few flights of stairs or going for a light jog, can feel unexpectedly difficult if you are living with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). While some people notice clear warning signs, many do not realize they have AFib until it leads to serious health problems. That’s why early detection and timely care are essential for protecting your heart and maintaining a healthy, active life.

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). It occurs when the heart’s electrical signals in the upper chambers (atria) become disrupted, causing the atria to beat irregularly and preventing them from pumping blood efficiently.

Although AFib may seem harmless at first, or even go unnoticed, it can lead to serious health problems and complications if left untreated

Certain factors increase the risk of developing AFib, such as advancing age, family history, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and other heart conditions. However, AFib can affect anyone, even those without known risk factors, and the likelihood rises with age.

Normally, the heart pumps blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the brain, muscles, and other vital organs. In Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), abnormal electrical signals prevent the heart from pumping effectively, which means less oxygen-rich blood circulates through the body.

If left untreated, AFib can lead to serious complications, including:

• Stroke: Irregular blood flow can cause clots to form in the heart. These clots may travel to the brain, leading to a stroke.
• Heart failure: The constant stress of an irregular heartbeat can weaken the heart muscle, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively.
• Reduced quality of life: AFib often causes fatigue, shortness of breath, and decreased stamina, which can limit daily activities and an active lifestyle.

Common symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Dizziness or fainting
• Palpitations (a fluttering, pounding, or irregular heartbeat)

It’s important to note that some people with AFib may not experience any noticeable symptoms.

AFib can occur occasionally, lasting from minutes to hours before stopping on its own. However, episodes may become more frequent and persistent over time. If symptoms worsen or become constant, it is a clear signal to seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications such as stroke or heart failure.

At Samitivej Sukhumvit's Heart Center in Bangkok, Thailand, we provide complete cardiac care. From early detection to advanced treatment, we tailor treatment to each patient’s needs.

Our services include:

• Regular Screening: Routine check-ups to detect heart conditions early, even before symptoms appear.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): A simple test that records the heart’s rhythm to check for irregularities such as AFib or palpitations.
  • Exercise Stress Test (EST): Monitors the heart’s electrical activity during physical activity, helping identify issues such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or abnormal heart rhythms.
  • Echocardiogram (Echo): Uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the heart, allowing specialists to assess heart muscle function and detect structural abnormalities.
• Specialist Care: Our experienced cardiologists provide personalized care plans to ensure the best outcomes.
• Appropriate Treatments: From conservative management to advanced procedures, our specialists are committed to provide the safest and most suitable care for your conditions.
  • Medications: Prescription medicines may be used to help control irregular heart rhythms and lower the risk of complications such as blood clots.
  • Electrical Cardioversion: A low-energy electrical shock is delivered to restore the heart’s rhythm back to normal.
  • Catheter Ablation: A minimally invasive procedure that aims to modified the small areas of heart tissue, that were causing abnormal heartbeat.
  • Other procedures: Based on the individual condition, our cardiologists will recommend the most appropriate approach.
• Lifestyle & Prevention Programs: Guidance on diet, exercise, and risk factor management to support long-term heart health.

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