It may surprise you to learn that US President Joe Biden suffers from atrial fibrillation. This illness doubles the risk of dementia and heart attacks and increases the risk of stroke by a factor of five. Surprisingly, 37.5 million people worldwide suffer from atrial fibrillation, yet many are unaware that they have the condition.
People of all ages are susceptible to the common cardiac rhythm condition known as atrial fibrillation. It results in erratic heartbeats, which can be rapid or slow. Although it is increasingly common as we age, some people experience it in their 30s and 40s. The heart’s upper chambers are the source of this irregular heart rhythm, which impairs the heart’s capacity to pump blood efficiently.
Complications like blood clots and other serious health problems may result from this. Atrial fibrillation symptoms can differ from person to person.
When they have an episode, some people may get uncomfortable, breathless, or suffer palpitations in their hearts. Their regular activities may be disturbed by these symptoms.
On the other hand, some people may not even exhibit any symptoms, which makes atrial fibrillation difficult to diagnose. If you have symptoms or think you could have this illness, it’s imperative to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have. If necessary, they can send you to a specialist after doing tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess the electrical activity of your heart.
It is critical to control your risk of consequences, such as an elevated risk of stroke, if atrial fibrillation has been detected in you.Reducing alcohol use, keeping a healthy weight, and exercising frequently are all actions that can help you feel better overall.
Your doctor may propose alternative therapies, such as cardiac rhythm management drugs or ablation operations, or prescribe blood thinners based on your risk factors. In order to return the heart’s rhythm to normal, ablation treats the electrical cause of atrial fibrillation. It may surprise you to learn that almost three-quarters of patients with atrial fibrillation also have excessive blood pressure. One major contributing factor to heart attacks and strokes is high blood pressure.
For this reason, controlling blood pressure is essential for people who have atrial fibrillation. Combining medication, lifestyle modifications, and routine monitoring can help control blood pressure.
To achieve optimal blood pressure control and lower your risk of stroke, it is imperative that you collaborate closely with your healthcare professional. Early intervention is critical for patients who are most at risk for stroke, especially those who have high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation. Globally, dementia, heart attacks, and strokes continue to be the top causes of death. We may greatly enhance our health and wellbeing by being proactive in preventing these issues, such as controlling blood pressure and promptly seeking medical attention.
Always keep in mind that preventing health problems is always preferable to treating them. Speak with your healthcare practitioner if you think you could have atrial fibrillation or if you have concerns about the health of your heart.
They can administer tests, offer advice, and suggest suitable courses of action. You may have a healthier tomorrow by taking care of your heart today.
SOURCES:
