Keep Watch, Anyone Can Acquire Atrial Fibrillation - By: Katherine Roberts

If former U.S. Pres. George Bush had acquired Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB) in the early 90s despite being a health buff, it means anybody can be hit by the said disease.

It’s more common among the elderly folks, though, according to medical experts. Still, the younger ones should not think they are an exemption because any sickness can befall even an 18-year-old especially if he has an unhealthy lifestyle.

AFIB is the condition of having an abnormally fast and erratic heartbeat. It results in decreased blood flow to the different organs of the body and so blood would eventually pool in the heart and form a clot. Once the smaller clots break, these can travel to the brain and cause stroke which can instantly trigger death.

Each of our hearts functions in the same manner. It has four chambers and the two upper ones, which are known as the atria, would contract followed by the lower ones which are known as the ventricles. This contraction begins with an electrical discharge from the sinus node that is situated in the upper part of the right atrium.

Upon contraction of the heart’s chambers, blood is forced into the ventricles and into the lungs before traveling to the different parts of the body. According to licensed cardiologists, if the heart is in perfect condition it beats 60 up to 100 times per minute in a state of rest.

On the other hand, the heartbeat of a person with AFIB ranges from 300 to 600 times per minute while in the state of rest.

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

Not everybody with AFIB showed symptoms of this disease. Now for those who have, the common signs of the sickness during its onset are frequent heart palpitations, feeling of being overfatigue, lightheadedness, frequent chest pains, and running short of breath.

There are some instances, though, when a person would suddenly cease from breathing normally and has to be rushed to the hospital. Such condition normally leads to stroke if not addressed properly.

To find out if you are at risk of AFIB, you can undergo a life line screening which is offered in hospitals and community health care centers. This type of test will determine if the blood from your heart is flowing normally plus it measures the electrical activity that is taking place in your heart.

Once the screening is done, the results will be passed on to a licensed doctor or cardiologist who in turn will explain it to you. By knowing the exact condition of your heart, you will be able to take the next step.

If the test reveals you are positive with AFIB, ask your doctor the most effective way to cure it but if it turns out negative, seek precautionary measures. As the famous adage goes, prevention is better than cure.

If you have not undergone a life line screening yet but you have high blood pressure, a heart disease, and you have vices such as smoking and drinking, don’t be surprised to find out later on that you have Atrial Fibrillation.

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