Our health is something that
many of us take for granted, especially when we’re younger. When we’re younger
we think that we can eat, drink, and do whatever we like and will face no
serious consequences as a result. We almost feel as if we’re indestructible. As
we grow older however, we begin to notice signs that point to the fact that we
aren’t indestructible, and that our health could potentially suffer as a
result. Take heart conditions for instance. Heart conditions affect a huge
quantity of the human race all over the world, and are things that we must
monitor extremely closely. One condition affecting the heart is one known as
atrial fibrillation, which we’ll be looking at in more detail now.
What exactly is
atrial fibrillation? – Atrial
fibrillation is basically a type of heart condition that can cause an irregular
and often and abnormally fast heartbeat. A regular heart should beat between 60
and 100 times every single minute whilst you’re resting, and will regularly
stay at roughly the same pace. With atrial fibrillation however, the heart rate
can increase to up to 160 beats every single minute, though this can vary. The
main difference between a regular heart beat and one suffering from atrial
fibrillation is that you won’t be able to predict when the heart will beat next
due to the fact that it’s irregular, so it follows no pattern.
So what exactly
happens? – Basically, when a
heart is beating normally, the muscular walls of the heart itself will squeeze
and tighten to push blood out and around the body. The walls will then relax as
the heart fills with blood once more. Every single time the heart beats, this
process is repeated all over again. With atrial fibrillation however, the upper
chambers of the heart, known as the atria, will randomly contract, and will
even sometimes contract so quickly that the heart cannot relax in-between each
contraction. This obviously reduces the effectiveness of the heart itself.
What are the
common symptoms to be wary of? – If you’re concerned that you, or somebody you know may
be suffering from this condition, there are several symptoms and warning signs
to look out for. These include:
· Heart
palpitations
· Lower
blood pressure
· Weakness
· Chest
pains
· Chest
discomfort
· Dizziness
· Confusion
· Fatigue
· Unusual
fatigue when you shouldn’t experience it
Atrial fibrillation can also
be occasional, meaning that the symptoms come and go randomly, or chronic,
which means that the symptoms are constantly present.
When to visit a
doctor? – If you have any of
the above symptoms or even if you simply feel like something is not quite right
with your heart, you should make an appointment and see your doctor as soon as
possible. Your doctor should then be able to make a correct diagnosis and
prescribe various treatments including medications, a controlled electric shock
in order to restore correct rhythm, or even having a pacemaker fitted to allow
the heart to beat more regularly. Don’t leave anything to chance, if you’re
worried, seek medical advice from trained professionals as soon as
possible.
