{"id":610,"date":"2022-11-30T06:52:29","date_gmt":"2022-11-30T06:52:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=610"},"modified":"2022-12-06T07:14:28","modified_gmt":"2022-12-06T07:14:28","slug":"what-is-atrial-fibrillation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/atrial-fibrillation-medication\/what-is-atrial-fibrillation\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Atrial Fibrillation? Causes, Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart condition where the upper sections of the heart beat faster and with an irregular rhythm compared to the lower sections.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Between 2 and 3 percent of the population experiences AFib, with up to half not even realizing it\u2019s a condition.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Symptoms of AFib include a racing or pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, and weakness, but many people have no symptoms at all.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Managing AFib and the anxiety around it involves lifestyle changes, working with your doctor, and getting the lowest prices on atrial fibrillation medications.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Atrial fibrillation is a common heart ailment, yet many of us aren\u2019t sure what it is or why it\u2019s a cause for concern. If you\u2019re not sure what atrial fibrillation is or whether you need to get checked for it, learn how it\u2019s diagnosed, what the symptoms are, and how you can manage the condition.<br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/p>\n<h2>What Is Atrial Fibrillation?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Atrial fibrillation (also called AFib) is an abnormal heart rhythm, where one or both of the heart\u2019s upper sections, the atria, beat faster and irregularly compared with the lower chambers. It affects approximately 2 to 3 percent of people in the U.S.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are three types of atrial fibrillation:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Paroxysmal AFib.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This occurs intermittently and stops on its own within seven days.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Persistent AFib.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Atrial fibrillation that lasts longer than seven days is considered persistent. This is often treated by applying electric shocks to the heart.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Long-standing persistent AFib.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In this type, AFib lasts longer than a year.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Causes of Atrial Fibrillation<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-614\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/2.jpeg-23.jpg\" alt=\"Doctors talking\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While approximately half of all AFib cases don\u2019t have a notable cause, as of this writing, there are several common ones to be aware of. They include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Genetics.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you have a family history of AFib or congenital heart disease, you\u2019re at higher risk of developing all types of AFib.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tobacco use.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Due to its impact on the cardiovascular system, tobacco can raise the risk of triggering AFib in those predisposed and raise the chances of an otherwise healthy person developing AFib.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Alcohol consumption.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Excessive alcohol use can trigger AFib. Long-term heavy alcohol use can cause changes to the heart and circulatory system that make AFib more likely.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hyperthyroidism.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Excessive production of thyroid hormone can overstimulate the heart. If you\u2019re diagnosed with hyperthyroidism or have a family history, discuss what to monitor with your doctor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Other chronic conditions.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> While the connections between conditions such as obesity, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and other common conditions are still being researched, there is a clear link between these conditions and AFib.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Some medications.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, and some prescription medications, particularly chemotherapy drugs, may raise the risk of AFib.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AFib can often present without symptoms. In some cases, patients only learn they have AFib due to routine testing for other heart conditions, or when they undergo a routine test, such as an electrocardiogram, that\u2019s performed as part of a physical.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some common symptoms experienced include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart palpitations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercise intolerance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath while lying flat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sudden onset of shortness of breath during the night or while sleeping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling in the limbs or extremities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lightheadedness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you experience any of these symptoms without another explanation, particularly if they\u2019re ongoing problems or two or more symptoms occur together, seek medical attention immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-613\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/3.jpeg-21.jpg\" alt=\"Doctor listening to patient with a stethoscope\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To diagnose AFib, particularly asymptomatic AFib, you\u2019ll need to undergo a series of tests. Several of these are part of a routine physical screening. Others can be added to routine lab work as needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tests your provider may order include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Blood tests. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your doctor doesn\u2019t order them, request tests for kidney function, electrolytes, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and a blood count. If you\u2019re experiencing chest pain, inform your doctor, as you may need other blood tests, as well.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Electrocardiogram (ECG). <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A record of the heart\u2019s electrical activity can spot AFib quite easily, although several other types of arrhythmia may be possible.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Echocardiogram (TTE).<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Essentially an ultrasound of the heart, this is used on newly diagnosed cases of AFib to determine the overall state of the heart and whether other forms of heart disease are present.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your provider believes the cause of your AFib is reversible, they may order additional testing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Risk Factors of Atrial Fibrillation<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to causes listed above, the following are risk factors for AFib, some of which can be mitigated.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sedentary lifestyle. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of exercise can change the structure of the heart and make AFib more likely, but this can be addressed with a regular light exercise program. Too much sitting can also contribute to secondary causes of heart disease, such as obesity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sleep disorders. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea or unusual waking and sleeping hours, can increase the chances of AFib.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hypertension. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure increases the overall stress on the body and raises your risk of developing AFib.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lung diseases. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While researchers are still investigating this connection, evidence points to certain lung diseases contributing to both the onset and severity of AFib.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having any of these risk factors is not a guarantee that you will develop AFib, but one or more of them will increase your risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Complications of Atrial Fibrillation<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-615\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/4.jpeg-9-1.jpg\" alt=\"Medical procedure\" width=\"512\" height=\"342\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most notable complication of AFib is an increased risk of stroke due to clots forming in the atria and traveling to the brain. Other chronic conditions, like diabetes, can raise this risk even further.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AFib treatment usually consists of a combination of approaches. With some types of AFib, your doctor may recommend starting with less-invasive treatment options.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatment approaches for atrial fibrillation include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lifestyle changes. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes to diet, increasing exercise, quitting smoking, and cutting alcohol consumption are standard approaches to AFib of all types.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Comorbidity management. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatment of other conditions that increase the risks associated with AFib can help mitigate risks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cardioversion. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In extreme cases or for AFib that presents serious risk, electric current or chemicals can regulate the heartbeat.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Surgery. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some surgical procedures can remodel the heart and help it to beat normally.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medication.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Medication can restore an irregular heartbeat and prevent clotting.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>BidRX Can Help You Find The Lowest Prices for Atrial Fibrillation Medication<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing AFib shouldn\u2019t dominate how you live your life, and the cost of medication shouldn\u2019t be a source of anxiety as you figure out how to best care for yourself. BidRX helps you find the lowest price for all your medications. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enter your medication<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and pharmacies around the nation will bid on your business. You choose the option you prefer, and the winner will ship your prescription to your door, or you can pick it up locally, depending on the bid you choose.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BidRX can take the work out of managing your prescriptions and your budget. To get started, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/Contents\/medication\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">visit our medication page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and create your bid today.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Highlights Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart condition where the upper sections of the heart&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":611,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[44],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-610","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-atrial-fibrillation-medication"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/610","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=610"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/610\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":629,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/610\/revisions\/629"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/611"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=610"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=610"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=610"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}