Can you live a long life with atrial fibrillation?

Can you live a long life with atrial fibrillation?

The good news is that although AF is a long-term condition, if managed correctly, you can continue to lead a long and active life. There are a number of steps you can take that will help you manage your condition, lower your risk of stroke and relieve any worries you may have.

What is the most common treatment for atrial fibrillation?

Heart rate medicines: The most common way to treat atrial fibrillation is with drugs that control your heartbeat....Potassium channel blockers, which slow the electrical signals that cause AFib:

• Amiodarone (Cordarone, Nexterone Pacerone),
• Dofetilide (Tikosyn)
• Sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize)

Why do you get atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation happens when these chambers don't work together as they should because of faulty electrical signaling. Normally, the atria and ventricles contract at the same speed. In atrial fibrillation, the atria and ventricles are out of sync because the atria contract very quickly and irregularly.

What happens when a person goes into AFib?

In atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat irregularly (quiver) instead of beating effectively to move blood into the ventricles. If a clot breaks off, enters the bloodstream and lodges in an artery leading to the brain, a stroke results.

Is walking good for atrial fibrillation?

Walking is especially helpful for AFib patients as it is an easy, low-impact form of exercise. It is also a great way for inactive people to gradually increase their movement. Walking has a myriad of health benefits. This makes it a great activity for Afib patients, as well as people who just want to get healthy.

What foods should you avoid if you have atrial fibrillation?

7 Foods to Avoid When You Have Atrial Fibrillation

• Alcohol. Alcohol tops the list of items to avoid on an atrial fibrillation diet. ...
• Caffeine. ...
• Grapefruit. ...
• Cranberry Juice. ...
• Asparagus and Leafy Green Vegetables. ...
• Processed and Salty Foods. ...
• Gluten.

What foods should be avoided with atrial fibrillation?

7 Foods to Avoid When You Have Atrial Fibrillation

• Alcohol. Alcohol tops the list of items to avoid on an atrial fibrillation diet. ...
• Caffeine. ...
• Grapefruit. ...
• Cranberry Juice. ...
• Asparagus and Leafy Green Vegetables. ...
• Processed and Salty Foods. ...
• Gluten.

What are the warning signs of AFib?

Those who do have atrial fibrillation symptoms may have signs and symptoms such as:

• Sensations of a fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
• Chest pain.
• Dizziness.
• Fatigue.
• Lightheadedness.
• Reduced ability to exercise.
• Shortness of breath.
• Weakness.

Does drinking water help with AFib?

When you have atrial fibrillation, drinking enough water is important. Electrolyte levels plummet when you're dehydrated. This can lead to abnormal heart rhythm. When you're dehydrated, your body's electrolytes (electrolytes in general, and sodium and potassium in particular) are crucial for heart health.

Is chocolate a trigger for AFib?

But we do know that obesity is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation, and chocolate is a high-calorie food – so if you put on weight due to eating more chocolate, this won't help your risk of AF or your health.

What happens when someone goes into AFIB?

• People with AFib experience irregular heartbeats caused by abnormal electrical signals in the atria. The electrical impulses erroneously circulate through the atria, causing the atria to contract with an irregular rhythm and fast rate. Different areas of your heart may beat too quickly, too slowly, or in an uneven rhythm in response to the AFib.

How long can you live with atrial fibrillation?

• Second part of the question: You can live a very long life with A-fib. However, it is a progressive disease that will over time damage and stretch out your heart, in addition to greatly increasing your risk of a stroke.

How long does it take to recover from AFIB ablation?

• It is common to experience afib or heart palpitations after any heart procedure, but they will subside once your heart heals, generally within three months. You can expect to be on anticoagulants, such as Coumadin (warfarin) or possibly Pradaxa (dabigatran), to prevent blood clots for three-to-six months after the procedure.

How to get rid of atrial fibrillation once and for all?

• Medications, shocking the heart back into rhythm, or even a procedure to potentially cure atrial fibrillation, called a catheter ablation, may be necessary. Certainly, with A-fib, an ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure!