CIENCIASMEDICASNEWS: What are the Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib or AF)?

miércoles, 13 de junio de 2012

What are the Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib or AF)?

The most common symptom: a quivering or fluttering heartbeat Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. The abnormal firing of electrical impulses causes the atria (the top chambers in the heart) to quiver (or fibrillate). View an animation of atrial fibrillation.

Additional common symptoms of atrial fibrillationSometimes people with AF have no symptoms and their condition is only detectable upon physical examination. Still, others may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Rapid and irregular heartbeat
Fluttering or “thumping” in the chest
Dizziness
Shortness of breath and anxiety
Weakness
Faintness or confusion
Fatigue when exercising
Sweating
*Chest pain or pressure
*Chest pain or pressure is a medical emergency. You may be having a heart attack. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

Are there different types of AF? Do they have different symptoms?The symptoms are generally the same; however the duration of the AF and underlying reasons for the condition help medical practitioners classify the type of AF problems.

Paroxysmal fibrillation is when the heart returns to a normal rhythm on its own. People who have this type of AF may have episodes only a few times a year or their symptoms may occur every day. These symptoms are very unpredictable and often can turn into a permanent form of atrial fibrillation.
Persistent AF is defined as an irregular rhythm that lasts for longer than 48 hours. This type of AF will not return to normal sinus rhythm on its own and will require some form of treatment.
Permanent AF occurs when the condition lasts indefinitely and can no longer be controlled with medication.

Over a period of time, paroxysmal fibrillation may become more frequent and longer lasting, sometimes leading to permanent or chronic AF. All types of AF can increase your risk of stroke. Even if you have no symptoms at all, you are nearly 5 times more likely to have a stroke than someone who doesn’t have atrial fibrillation.
How are heart attack symptoms different from AF symptoms?Fluttering and palpitations are often a key difference, but many heart problems have similar warning signs. If you think you may be having a heart attack, DON’T DELAY. Get emergency help by calling 9-1-1 immediately. A heart attack is a blockage of blood flow to the heart, often caused by a clot or build-up of plaque lodging in the coronary artery (a blood vessel that carries blood to part of the heart muscle). A heart attack can damage or destroy part of your heart muscle. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help.

People living with AF should know the symptoms of a strokeAs stated earlier, having atrial fibrillation can put you at an increased risk for stroke. Here are the warning signs that you should be aware of:

HEART ATTACK WARNING SIGNS

CHEST DISCOMFORT

Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

DISCOMFORT IN OTHER AREAS OF THE UPPER BODY

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

OTHER SIGNS

STROKE WARNING SIGNS

If one or more of these signs is present, don't delay:

- SUDDEN NUMBNESS OR WEAKNESS OF THE FACE, ARM OR LEG, ESPECIALLY ON ONE SIDE OF THE BODY

- SUDDEN CONFUSION, TROUBLE SPEAKING OR UNDERSTANDING

- SUDDEN TROUBLE SEEING IN ONE OR BOTH EYES

- SUDDEN TROUBLE WALKING, DIZZINESS, LOSS OF BALANCE OR COORDINATION

- SUDDEN SEVERE HEADACHE WITH NO KNOWN CAUSE