Atrial fibrillation is a condition of the heart where the two upper chambers of the heart beat too fast. It is the most common irregular heartbeat. Roughly two million Americans suffer from a regular, rapid heartbeat when they are awake, and it can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure.
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is a condition in which the heart’s upper chambers (atria) quiver and are no longer in rhythm with the lower chambers (ventricles). Atrial fibrillation can be very dangerous because it can cause irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure. It is estimated that atrial fibrillation is the cause of stroke in 2% to 8% of people with the condition.
Risk Factors
Atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat that can cause heart arrhythmias. The condition can be triggered by a number of factors, including a heart attack, hypertension, or stress. Risk factors for atrial fibrillation include the following:
- Age over 75
- Previous heart attack
- Hypertension
- Heart failure
- Antidepressant use
- Dementia
- Alcoholism
- Smoking
- Obesity
How to reduce your risk
Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular, chaotic heartbeat. It is a common condition and can be difficult to treat. The best way to reduce your risk of developing atrial fibrillation is by staying physically active and eating a healthy diet.
It is also important to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in check. If you have high blood pressure, you should consult a doctor about taking medication to reduce it.
If you have high cholesterol, you should speak to a doctor about changing your diet and exercise routine. These are just a few ways to lower your risk of atrial fibrillation.
Conclusion.
Atrial fibrillation is a heart arrhythmia that affects the atria of the heart. It causes the atria to quiver and contract. It is a condition that is often caused by an irregular heart rhythm. This can lead to a number of complications and can cause a lot of problems.
It is important to know the risks of atrial fibrillation and how to reduce these risks. If you are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, your doctor will likely prescribe you medication to help reduce the risk. You will also be encouraged to change your lifestyle to reduce the risk.
It is important to follow your doctor’s advice and to be aware of what you are doing to reduce your risk.