Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib or AF, is described unusually rapid and irregular heart rhythm that result when uncontrolled electrical signals cause the heart’s upper chambers (atria) to beat at different rates than those of the lower heart (the ventricles). As a result, the heart’s rhythm becomes quick and irregular, ranging between 100 to 175 beats per minute vs. a healthy, normal 60 to 100 beats per minute. This accelerated and irregular heart rate often causes the patient to experience heart palpitations (or flutters), shortness of breath, and extreme fatigue.
AFib is classified in 4 stages, depending on the duration and persistence, for instance:
1. Occasional AFib
Also medically referred to as paroxysmal AFib, will come and go and tends to go on for only a few minutes to hours.
2. Long-standing persistent AFib
As the name suggests is present over the long term, or continues in periods that exceed 12 months.
3. Persistent AFib
Is a constant and irregular heart rhythm that requires medical therapy or electric shock therapy to regain a normal heart rhythm.
4. Permanent AFib
Is a permanent, irregular heart rhythm that can only be returned to a normal heart rate with the aid of medication.
Although the cause of atrial fibrillation varies from patient to patient, AFib tends to stem from a prior heart defect or heart damage due to the following ongoing health conditions and concerns:
- Sleep apnea
- Viral infection of the heart cells
- Congenital heart defects (of the heart valves)
- Thyroid disease (particularly overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism)
- High blood pressure
- Sick sinus syndrome (or improper working of the heart’s natural pacemaker)
- Lung diseases (i.e., COPD, Pneumonia)
- Lone atrial fibrillation (or an unclear cause)
- Coronary artery disease
- Prior heart surgery
- Chronic physical stress (i.e., chronic pain)
- Prior heart attack
- Long term exposure to stimulants (i.e., caffeine, alcohol, aspirin and acetaminophen)
- Smoking
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