Atrial Fibrillation, commonly known as Afib, is a heart condition where the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly and often rapidly. This irregularity can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively throughout the body. This article provides guidance on when to seek immediate medical attention for Afib.
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm, or arrhythmia, that originates in the heart’s upper chambers, called the atria. In a healthy heart, electrical signals fire in a steady, coordinated pattern, causing the atria to contract and pump blood efficiently into the lower chambers, the ventricles. The normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute.
With Afib, these electrical signals become chaotic, causing the atria to quiver or fibrillate instead of contracting effectively. This disorganized electrical activity means the ventricles also respond irregularly, leading to a fast and often irregular heartbeat that can range from 100 to 175 beats per minute. This chaotic rhythm reduces the heart’s overall efficiency in pumping blood to the rest of the body.
Immediate Medical Attention for Afib
Determining when to seek immediate medical attention for Afib involves considering both the duration of the episode and the presence of any concerning symptoms. If someone experiences Afib for the first time, it is advised to go to the hospital for evaluation. This initial assessment helps determine if the symptoms are from Afib or another underlying condition.
If a known Afib episode persists for more than a few hours (e.g., 24 to 48 hours), and is new or significantly different from previous episodes, contacting a healthcare provider is appropriate. Immediate emergency medical care becomes necessary if severe symptoms accompany the Afib, regardless of how long the episode has lasted. These symptoms include chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or feeling as though one might faint. A rapid heart rate that does not slow down, particularly if it exceeds 120 beats per minute at rest, indicates a need for urgent evaluation.
Recognizing Related Symptoms
Several symptoms associated with Afib can signal a more serious situation requiring medical attention. Chest pain or discomfort is a significant indicator, which may feel like pressure or tightness and can sometimes mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. Any sudden changes in chest pain, its unpredictability, or its occurrence during rest should prompt immediate medical evaluation.
Shortness of breath is another symptom that suggests the heart is not effectively circulating blood. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting can occur when the brain does not receive adequate blood supply due to the heart’s inefficient pumping. Fatigue or general weakness is also common among those experiencing Afib.
Potential Complications of Untreated Afib
Untreated Afib can lead to several serious complications. One of the most significant risks is stroke, which occurs because blood can pool in the atria when they do not contract properly. This pooling allows blood clots to form.
If a clot breaks loose and travels to the brain, it can block blood flow, causing an ischemic stroke. Individuals with Afib face a risk of stroke that is three to five times higher than those without the condition, and Afib-related strokes tend to be more severe.
Another potential complication of prolonged, uncontrolled Afib is heart failure. The constant rapid and irregular beating can overwork and weaken the heart muscle over time, making it less efficient at pumping blood to meet the body’s needs.
This weakening, known as cardiomyopathy, can lead to fluid buildup and further strain on the heart. Untreated Afib can also contribute to cognitive decline and dementia, due to reduced oxygen delivery to the brain over time.