Is Atrial Fibrillation a Serious Health Concern?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of irregular heartbeat that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat in a chaotic or uncoordinated way. As a result, your heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly.

Some people notice symptoms right away; for others, there are no obvious warning signs. At Parkview Cardiology in New York City, we often discover AFib during tests for other conditions. Your primary physician may also notice heartbeat irregularities during a routine exam.

Even when symptoms are mild, take atrial fibrillation seriously, because it can increase your risk of major health problems.

If your AFib symptoms are persistent or severe, it’s crucial to know your treatment options. Our board-certified cardiologist, Kedar Sankholkar, MD, MS, FACC, can customize a care plan to regulate your heartbeat.

He also specializes in preventive cardiology to reduce your risk of other cardiac issues.

Below, we’ve outlined some tips for recognizing atrial fibrillation symptoms and how to protect your heart health.

Warning signs of atrial fibrillation

AFib causes symptoms that may come and go, or they may be constant. Some episodes last minutes or hours, while others persist until you start treatment.

Symptoms associated with atrial fibrillation include:

Heart palpitations
Fluttering in the chest
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Weakness
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Chest discomfort
Reduced ability to exercise

The unpredictable nature of AFib underscores the importance of medical evaluation. A person can feel fine one day and experience sudden symptoms the next.

Potential consequences of atrial fibrillation

The biggest concern with atrial fibrillation is stroke. When the upper chambers of your heart don’t contract normally, blood can pool inside the heart. Pooled blood can clot, blocking blood flow and causing an ischemic stroke.

AFib can also lead to heart failure, especially if your heart rate stays too fast for too long. A heart beating inefficiently may not pump enough blood to the rest of the body.

Over time, this strain can weaken the heart or worsen existing heart disease. People with AFib have a higher risk of complications such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack, and dementia.

When AFib can put your health at risk

The seriousness of AFib depends on several health factors, such as your:

Age
Weight
Blood pressure
Stroke history
Alcohol use

Existing heart disease, sleep apnea, diabetes, kidney disease, and other medical conditions can also complicate an AFib diagnosis.

Some people with AFib have brief episodes and low overall risk, while others need long-term treatment to prevent complications. Dr. Sankholkar often assesses both rhythm symptoms and stroke risk when creating your treatment plan.

Atrial fibrillation treatment options

Parkview Cardiology offers several treatment strategies to treat AFib symptoms and prevent additional complications. Dr. Sankholkar may recommend:

Medications to control heart rate or maintain a normal rhythm
Blood thinners to reduce stroke risk
Cardioversion
Catheter ablation

Lifestyle changes may also be necessary to manage high blood pressure, treat sleep apnea, and maintain a healthy weight. Limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, staying active, and managing diabetes also help reduce AFib burden and complications.

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Parkview Cardiology if you have new or worsening palpitations, unexplained shortness of breath, dizziness, or other unusual symptoms linked to atrial fibrillation.

Chest pain, severe breathing difficulties, fainting, sudden weakness, facial drooping, confusion, or trouble speaking are potential symptoms of heart attack or stroke, requiring immediate medical attention.

Don’t put off an AFib symptom assessment

Is atrial fibrillation serious? Yes, it can be. AFib isn’t always immediately life-threatening, and many people live well with it when properly treated.

However, ignoring signs of AFib can be dangerous. The safest step is for Dr. Sankholkar to evaluate your heart health to determine your stroke risk so you can begin treatment without delay.

Call Parkview Cardiology’s Midtown Manhattan office today or schedule an atrial fibrillation consultation online.