AFib Affects 2.7 Million Americans: Symptoms, Types, Causes, and Treatments
Atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart arrhythmia, disrupts regular blood flow, increasing stroke and heart failure risks. Without care, it can be deadly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 12.1 million Americans will have AFib by 2030, with 2.7 million currently affected.
AFib affects the heart's upper chambers, causing irregular heartbeat. Symptoms can include heart palpitations, chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath, but some may experience none. There are different types, including paroxysmal AFib, which resolves on its own. Treatments range from medications like beta-blockers and blood thinners to lifestyle changes. The average heart rate for adults is 60-100 beats per minute, and AFib can cause it to be too fast, too slow, or inconsistent.
Age and cardiovascular diseases are common causes in men over 65. Structural changes in the atria, hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, and comorbidities like obesity and diabetes mellitus contribute to its occurrence.
AFib is a serious condition that requires medical attention. Understanding its symptoms, types, and causes is crucial for early detection and prevention of complications. With proper care, including medications and lifestyle changes, the risks can be managed effectively.
Read also:
- Trump's SNAP reductions and New York City Council's grocery delivery legislation: Problems for city residents highlighted
- Reducing dental expenses for elderlies in Sweden: Over 50% cut in charges for pensioners by the government
- Forty-year-old diet: A list of meal choices to savor
- Exiled Life's Conundrum: A Blend of Liberation, Disillusionment, and Distress
