My Heart Feels Weird; Do I Have AFib?

Atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib, is an irregular heartbeat that is characterized by a variety of symptoms including a sensation of the heart racing, skipping beats or, in some cases, no symptoms at all. It impacts the atria or upper chambers of the heart. According to the American Heart Association, as many as 12 million Americans may have AFib by the year 2030.

How does it differ from an irregular heartbeat?

AFib is just one of several types of heart rhythm disorders, also known as arrhythmias. According to the American Heart Association, some arrhythmias cause the heart to beat too quickly (tachycardias), while others cause a slow heart rate (bradycardias).

AFib is the most common form of tachycardia. It can sometimes cause a rapid, irregular heartbeat and lead to sensations such as a skipped heartbeat, a fluttering feeling, chest pain, dizziness and other symptoms. If you are experiencing any form of arrhythmia, seek medical care as soon as possible.

How is AFib related to heart disease?

If you have AFib, get it treated by a health care professional. Over time, AFib can lead to several heart-related concerns, including an increased risk of stroke, heart failure or other complications. If you already have heart disease, the National Institutes of Health notes that AFib can worsen existing symptoms or increase the risk of life-threatening complications.

Can high blood pressure cause an irregular heartbeat or Afib?

Several heart problems, including AFib, have a direct link to lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, exercise, nutrition and more.

One factor that clearly plays a role in your AFib risk is high blood pressure. According to the European Society of Cardiology, this was definitively shown in a 2021 study of more than 1 million people of European ancestry. Data from the study showed that having high blood pressure was directly tied to an increased risk of AFib. Plus, the American Heart Association warns that high blood pressure and AFib are major risk factors for stroke. Having both puts you at a significantly higher risk of stroke.

How is AFib related to diabetes?

Having diabetes is a risk factor for having AFib. Research from the American Heart Association has found that people with both tend to have more pronounced diabetes symptoms and a lower quality of life.

Managing AFib with lifestyle changes

The good news is you can lower your risk of AFib symptoms and complications through medical treatment and lifestyle modifications.

The most effective approach? Make heart-healthy choices regarding your diet, exercise and weight, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding things like salt, saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol.

“Obesity is a major risk factor for AFib and its complications,” says Jeffrey Goldberger, M.D., who leads the Center for AFib at the University of Miami Health System.

Cutting out alcohol, tobacco, and excessive caffeine are also essential steps in managing AFib. Finally, the underlying health conditions that contribute to AFib, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and other heart conditions, must be managed. “The efficacy of directed treatments to AFib, such as antiarrhythmic drugs and catheter ablation, is enhanced by dedicated and successful risk factor management,” says Dr. Goldberger.

The UHealth specialized AFib Risk Factor Management Program is designed to help each patient achieve specific goals and has been highly impactful in facilitating this important component of AFib management.

Wyatt Myers is a contributor for UHealth’s news service.

Tags: Dr. Jeffrey Goldberger, heart arrhythmias, heart care in Miami, irregular heartbeat, preventative cardiology