When problems develop within the heart’s internal electrical system, the results can be disruption to normal heartbeat patterns. Sometimes this means the heart speeds up, or slows down, or beats erratically. In any case, an irregular and erratic heartbeat is not healthy and should be evaluated by medical professionals. In general, this condition is referred to as atrial fibrillation which can range in severity from mild to life-threatening.
Because the condition is common but may represent a serious health threat, everyone should know of and be on the lookout for symptoms of arrhythmias in his or her heart or those of loved ones. Recognizing obvious warning signs and indications of AFib can identify a problem if there is one, which can lead to treatments and improvements in overall health and well being. In extreme cases, failing to identify and act on the signs and symptoms of an erratic heartbeat can be life-threatening.
Atrial Fibrillation or AFib is part of a larger group of heartbeat irregulars called arrhythmias. While all arrhythmias produce similar symptoms, AFib is the most common. Below are listed some of the signs and symptoms that each of us needs to be on the lookout for as a guide to help identify AFib and arrhythmias.
- Experience an unexpected pounding in your chest
- Feeling as though your heart has ‘flipped-flopped’ or feeling palpitations, fluttering, skipped heartbeats, or a racing heart
- Feeling chest pain or angina
- Thinking that you might faint, feeling dizzy, or actually fainting
- Experiencing shortness of breath
- Feeling light-headed or dizzy
- Having a sense of fatigue or feeling physically weak
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with the physicians at Atrial Fibrillation Center Of America for a consultation and evaluation.
The heart’s electrical pathways and signals that control heartbeats are complicated and to determine the causes of AFib requires a careful examination by a skilled doctor. There are several common causes of atrial fibrillation, and these can include:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Heart valve problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart failure
For as many as one-third of atrial fibrillation cases, the underlying cause is unknown. Nevertheless, treatments can be prescribed which can alleviate the symptoms and reduce the risk of additional AFib related complications.
If you have experienced any of the symptoms associated with AFib you should seek the advice of a medical professional. Atrial Fibrillation Center Of America is dedicated to providing patients with the highest levels of cardiac care including diagnosing and treating atrial fibrillation. Drs. Bansal and Do are available to see patients, and they encourage you to connect with our office either by using the contact form on this website or by calling our primary office number, (832) 478-5067. Our staff will be happy to answer all your questions and set an appointment for a consultation. If you have experienced AFib symptoms, it is essential that you see a medical professional. Give us a call today, (832) 478-5067.