Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular or increased heart rate that can lead to cardiovascular issues such as blood clots, stroke, and heart failure. Some AFib patients may be asymptomatic in the early stages, but as the condition develops patients may experience a rapid heart rate (arrhythmia), chest pain, malaise, and extreme fatigue.

There are many common causes of atrial fibrillation, including:

1. Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease is the build-up of plaque in the arteries. This leads to narrowing and blockage of passageways that blood flows through. This plaque build-up decreases blood flow, increases pressure, and enlarges arteries. Those with CAD have an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation due to inflamed arteries causing increased heart rate.

2. Heart attack

The lack of a consistent blood flow means that the blood has a decreased level of oxygen. This lack of blood flow decreases oxygenation of the blood. Decreased oxygen can lead to a heart attack, which in turn causes long-term complications such as atrial fibrillation.

3. Congenital heart defect

Some examples of congenital heart defects are aortic valve stenosis, pulmonary valve stenosis, and the tetralogy of fallot. All of these conditions cause the heart muscle to thicken, restricting blood flow. Any heart condition that causes valve damage or thickening of the heart muscle increases pressure and heart rate.

4. Sleep apnea or thyroid issues

Sleep apnea is the periodic cessation of breathing during sleep. Snoring, exhaustion in the morning, inability to focus, irritability, and frequent gasping during sleep are all signs of sleep apnea. Frequent loss of oxygen while sleeping can cause high blood pressure and arrhythmias. Thyroid issues happen when too many or too few hormones are produced. A hyperthyroid, or the production of too many hormones, also contributes to an irregular heartbeat.

5. Long term abuse of stimulants

Stimulant abuse, whether in the form of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication can trigger atrial fibrillation. This is due to stimulants causing persistent arrhythmias and damage to the heart.

For those without underlying health conditions, atrial fibrillation is typically not life-threatening. However, for those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease this can be a dangerous condition. Diagnosis and treatment from a physician are vital for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Medication for treating AFib consists of blood thinners which increase blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots. Beta-blockers slow the heart rate and can regulate blood pressure. A more serious condition may require a medical procedure.

Another treatment option is catheter ablation, a surgical procedure that removes damaged tissue, increasing blood flow and thus regulating heart rhythms. If your doctor suspects AFib, common tests to diagnose include EKG or ECG. Wearing a Holter monitor can help detect any irregular heart rhythms. Stress tests and chest X-rays are also helpful for detecting damage to heart muscles. Atrial Fibrillation may be found during a routine examination, but it is important to seek medical attention if any symptoms occur.