Atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat also known as arrhythmia. It occurs when the electrical impulses that control your heart’s rhythm are out of sync. When you have atrial fibrillation, your heart may beat too fast, slow, or erratically. Atrial fibrillation can be short-lived (acute) or long-lasting (chronic), meaning it can come and go or be a permanent condition. Upper East Side atrial fibrillation can be a serious condition; getting treatment right away is important.

If you are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan.

To understand the condition, you must know the contributing causes:

• Heart disease: coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, or cardiomyopathy can lead to atrial fibrillation.
• 2High blood pressure: hypertension is a major risk factor for developing atrial fibrillation.
• Sleep apnea: this condition leads to pauses in breathing during sleep which can result in atrial fibrillation.
• Thyroid disease: hyperthyroidism or Grave’s disease can trigger atrial fibrillation.
• Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the heart muscle and lead to atrial fibrillation.

If you have any of these risk factors, you must speak with your doctor about your risk for atrial fibrillation. In addition, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention fast:

Shortness of breath

It is believed that atrial fibrillation can lead to shortness of breath because it reduces the amount of blood pumped from the heart. This can result in fluid buildup in the lungs, making breathing difficult. You need to know that this is a common symptom of atrial fibrillation, and it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience it.

Heart palpitations

Heart palpitations are another common symptom of atrial fibrillation. You may feel like your heart is racing or skipping a beat. This sensation can be very frightening, but they are usually harmless. However, you should see a doctor if you experience them frequently or other accompanying symptoms.

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Dizziness and lightheadedness are often caused by low blood pressure. When your heart is not pumping properly, it can cause your blood pressure to drop. This can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. If you experience these symptoms, you should see a doctor to ensure your blood pressure is not too low.

Chest pain

Atrial fibrillation can sometimes cause chest pain. This is usually because your heart is not pumping properly, which can reduce the amount of blood flow to your heart. If you experience chest pain, you should see a doctor immediately to ensure it is not a heart attack.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of atrial fibrillation. When your heart is not pumping properly, it can cause you to feel tired. You may also feel fatigued if you are not getting enough oxygen to your tissues. If you are feeling very tired, you should see a doctor make sure that it is not due to a heart condition.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Atrial fibrillation is a serious condition, and your doctor should treat it at Upper East Side Cardiology.