Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition whereby the heart beats in an abnormal rhythm. A person affected by atrial fibrillation has faster heartbeats than average. Atrial fibrillation is a severe condition that risks the life of the affected person. Visit a cardiovascular physician in Frisco, FX, to get treatment if you experience any symptoms of atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation can cause the formation of blood clots in the heart and therefore increases the chances of an affected person experiencing a stroke or heart failure.

Types of Atrial Fibrillation

• Persistent atrial fibrillation is a type of atrial fibrillation that may take longer than seven days. Persistent atrial fibrillation may resolve on its own. However, there is no need to take chances. Visit an atrial fibrillation specialist immediately after you experience the condition.
• Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation- This type of atrial fibrillation happens in one day.
• Long-term persistent atrial fibrillation- Patients experience atrial fibrillation for more than one year.
• Permanent atrial fibrillation- A person may be diagnosed with atrial fibrillation when it lasts for more than a year, and the condition keeps getting worse even after taking medication.

What factors put you at risk of getting atrial fibrillation?

• Ethnicity- People of Caucasian descent experience atrial fibrillation compared to African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics.
• Age- Older people are more likely to be affected by atrial fibrillation. The risk is higher for people over the age of sixty-five.
• Genetics- Some people have genetic traces of heart diseases. If you have someone in your family with atrial fibrillation, you are highly likely to be affected by atrial fibrillation.
• Surgery- Surgeries related to the cardiovascular organs may put you at risk of getting atrial fibrillation. Regular monitoring and checkups and monitoring are very important for people who undergo surgeries involving the cardiovascular system.

Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation

• Physical examination- The doctor will perform some physical examinations related to the condition. Some of the activities involved during the physical examination include checking your heart’s rhythm, checking your blood pressure, checking your pulse, and listening to your lungs.
• Diagnostic test- The cardiologist may test your blood samples to check the level of substances such as thyroid and potassium.  

Lifestyle changes to prevent atrial fibrillation

• Engage more physically- Engage in more physical activities such as walking, jogging, running, or other forms of exercise.
• Reduce your alcohol intake: You need to cut down on alcohol to prevent the risk of getting atrial fibrillation. Many people have been able to reduce the chance of getting the condition by eliminating alcohol from their lives.
• Regulate your stress life- Take the necessary levels to reduce stress levels in your life. Stress has a negative impact on your atrial fibrillation.
• Stop Smoking- You need to quit smoking to reduce the chances of getting atrial fibrillation.

Manage Atrial Fibrillation Today

Book an appointment with the cardiovascular physicians at the Prime Heart and Vascular for your atrial fibrillation. You also need to check if you have any symptoms relating to atrial fibrillation. Early diagnosis is beneficial in treating the condition early.