Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes irregular heartbeats. It’s the most common arrhythmia and can lead to other severe heart conditions. It is a painful condition that requires attention and monitoring to stay healthy.
Luckily we are living in a time where AFIB is treatable. With devices like pacemakers and watchmen implants ( please see https://cvgcares.com/services/watchman-implant-procedure/ for more info on the watchman implant) AFIB is now more manageable than ever.
But what causes Afib, and what can you do about atrial fibrillation?
That is what we are going to take a look at in this article. Keep reading for all the information about atrial fibrillation treatment, causes, and more.
Contents
Extra Electrical Pathways
One potential cause of atrial fibrillation is the presence of extra electrical pathways. These pathways cause abnormal electrical signals to travel through the heart. And disrupting its normal rhythm.
They can also cause abnormal electrical signals to reach the atrium, which can cause it to beat faster or slower than usual. Extra electrical pathways can develop in different areas of the heart. Including the atrium and the ventricles and can be caused by a variety of conditions.
Overactivity of the Thyroid Gland
Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia, and it is caused by a disruption of the electrical signals in the heart which regulate heartbeat. Overactivity of the thyroid gland is a condition known as hyperthyroidism. It can cause atrial fibrillation causing it to beat rapidly and erratically.
In severe cases, the heartbeat can be dangerously fast and irregular, leading to impairment of the ventricles and, ultimately, heart failure.
High Blood Pressure
Atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, is a condition causing an irregular heartbeat, often caused by high blood pressure. One of the types of Afib that can cause high blood pressure is paroxysmal Afib, which is when episodes of Afib occur suddenly and last a few moments.
High blood pressure results from increased resistance of the vessel walls, leading to an inability of the heart to pump blood as efficiently as usual. As the heart works to pump harder, it becomes less efficient and can develop an irregular rhythm. High blood pressure also impacts the sympathetic nervous system, which can lead to a periodic heart rate.
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary Artery Disease is one of the leading causes of atrial fibrillation. Coronary Artery Disease is a condition in which the inner walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed because of a buildup of plaque.
It reduces the amount of oxygen and other essential nutrients from reaching the heart muscles and puts stress on the heart. The reduced flow of oxygen and nutrients can result in abnormal electrical signals that tell the heart to beat rapidly or irregularly.
A Comprehensive Look at What Causes Afib
What causes afib? Atrial fibrillation can be caused by various physical, medical, and lifestyle conditions. Including high blood pressure, obesity, excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, and inherited diseases. Those at higher risk should seek help from a doctor to monitor and treat any underlying conditions.
We hope these atrial fibrillation prevention tips have you taking better care of yourself. For more lifestyle articles, please see the rest of our blog page.
