Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) | Baylor Scott & White Health

What is AFib?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. When you are living with AFib, the electrical signals that regulate your heartbeat are interrupted by chaotic signals, making the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) contract irregularly.

Working with a cardiologist and an electrophysiologist, you can manage AFib and protect your long-term health.

male patient on treadmill being tested for Atrial fibrillation (AFib)

AFib symptoms

AFib doesn’t always cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, you might notice them only occasionally.

If you experience any of these symptoms, track how often they occur, what you are doing when they happen and whether symptoms change over time. This is important information to share with your healthcare provider.

Symptoms of AFib include:

Chest pain
Dizziness or fainting
Fatigue
Heart palpitations, which can feel like fluttering, pounding, a heartbeat that is too fast or too slow, or feeling like your heart missed a beat
Low blood pressure
Trouble breathing, especially when exercising or lying down

What causes AFib?

AFib develops due to inflammation of, stress on or damage to heart tissue, which often occurs due to other conditions. These include:

Heart disease, such as cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease and heart valve disease
High blood pressure
Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism
Obstructive sleep apnea
Inflammation from myocarditis and pericarditis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Sick sinus syndrome
Viral infections
Chronic kidney disease
Obesity

doctor checking a patients blood pressure

Risk factors for atrial fibrillation

For some people, strenuous physical activity can lead to a higher risk of AFib. However, moderate exercise can help lower your risk and following a healthy lifestyle can help prevent some of the causes of AFib.

Many factors are linked to an increased risk of developing AFib. These include:

Advancing age
Family history and genetics
Having certain health conditions, [such as high blood pressure]
Race, as AFib happens more commonly among Caucasian populations
Surgery on your heart, lungs or esophagus

Lifestyle factors also play a big role in AFib risk, including:

Excessive consumption of alcohol
Having high amounts of emotional stress
Smoking
Using illegal drugs

Complications

Blood clots are a serious complication of atrial fibrillation and can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases with age and is heightened by other conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, and certain types of heart valve disease.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) patient relaxing on the couch

How is AFib diagnosed?

If you have AFib symptoms, your doctor will make a diagnosis based on a physical exam and testing.

In most cases, an electrocardiogram (EKG) will be done first. This noninvasive test records the electrical activity of your heart and shows your doctor whether your heart is beating irregularly.

Other tests, such as blood tests, chest X-rays and other tests, can help your doctor determine the cause of AFib and find the best course of treatment.

If you have risk factors for AFib, your doctor might recommend screening for the disease condition as part of your routine medical care.

If more information is needed to make a diagnosis, your doctor may also do other tests, such as:

Echocardiogram: This is an ultrasound that provides a detailed image of the heart’s structures. It can also detect blood clots and areas of the heart that are not functioning correctly.
Event recorder: This portable device records your heart rhythm when you have symptoms and transmits the information back to your doctor.
Holter monitor: Typically worn for 24- to 48-hour periods, this portable device continuously monitors the heart’s electrical activity.

AFib treatment

AFib treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Medicine and lifestyle changes may not improve your symptoms. In those cases, your doctor may recommend surgery or a minimally invasive cardiac catheter ablation procedure.

Lifestyle changes

Your healthcare provider may suggest several lifestyle changes to improve your heart health. These include regular physical activity and following a heart-healthy diet that is low in salt, saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. It’s also important to manage high blood pressure and limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine. Quitting smoking and controlling your alcohol intake along with cholesterol levels can further support your heart health. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight is essential for overall well-being.

Find a location near you

You can find comprehensive, advanced diagnosis and treatment for AFib at a location that fits your needs. We have many convenient heart and vascular clinics, including specialized centers in North and Central Texas.

Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Associates - Southwest Fort Worth

5701 Bryant Irvin Rd Ste 302, Fort Worth, TX, 76132