网曝门事件 Health Tillamook All about atrial fibrillation (AFib)

Chances are, you鈥檝e heard of AFib 鈥� even if you didn鈥檛 quite know what it was. But understanding AFib is important, as is recognizing its symptoms. That鈥檚 because AFib can be quite serious.

It鈥檚 also more common than you might think. AFib is a type of heart rhythm problem that affects as many as 2.3 million U.S. adults. Learn more about this condition and what you can do to spot it.

Beating out of sync

In AFib, the heart鈥檚 two upper chambers beat out of rhythm and too fast. The problem is caused by the heart鈥檚 own built-in electrical signals. Normally, these electrical pulses prompt the heart to squeeze and relax in an orderly fashion to allow blood to move through the heart. But with AFib, faulty electrical signals cause the heart鈥檚 upper chambers to beat irregularly.

This malfunction can cause symptoms like:

Palpitations, which can feel like racing, thumping or fluttering heartbeat
Chest discomfort or pain
Lightheadedness
Feeling tired more easily or short of breath, especially with physical activity
Dizziness or fainting

Understanding AFib risks

AFib can lead to heart failure or other medical complications. It can also be caused by other existing heart problems. But the biggest risk with AFib is stroke. People who have AFib may be five times more likely to have a stroke than those without AFib. But why is that?

Because AFib also weakens the heart鈥檚 contractions, blood is likelier to slow down and pool inside the heart. And when blood pools, it鈥檚 more likely to form clots. If a clot travels from the heart to the brain, it could trigger a potentially disabling stroke.

Getting checked and treated

If you think you might have AFib, tell your doctor. They may be able to diagnose it with an electrocardiogram (EKG) test. And if you do have AFib, treating it may help you feel better, as well as lower your stroke risk.

AFib treatment options may include:

Medicines to prevent blood clots, regulate your heart rate or restore your heart鈥檚 normal rhythm.
A procedure, called cardioversion, which delivers a mild electric shock to normalize the heart鈥檚 rhythm.
Ablation procedures, which can sometimes cure AFib by destroying the heart tissues that send abnormal electrical signals.
Surgery or a pacemaker, in some cases.

has a team of heart rhythm disorders specialists serving patients in Portland and McMinnville,

Taking care of your ticker

Being aware of AFib and its symptoms is important. But it鈥檚 just as important to know how to help keep your heart healthy overall. Here are some steps the American Heart Association suggests:

Get a checkup. Talk to your doctor about your heart and stroke risks, especially if you鈥檙e over 40.
Eat right. Build a healthy diet around fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans and nuts, lean meats, and fish. Limit how much sodium, added sugars and artery-clogging saturated and trans fats you eat.
Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 150 minutes of weekly exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling.
Manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, if you have them. Follow your doctor鈥檚 advice about lifestyle changes and medicines, if prescribed.
Don鈥檛 smoke. If you need help quitting, tell your doctor.