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Know the Beat: Raising Awareness about Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) – The Hidden Risk in Your Heart
By Alpro Pharmacy
May 21, 2025
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Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm. Instead of a steady rhythm, the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) quiver or beat unevenly. An irregular heart rhythm is called an arrhythmia.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) may lead to symptoms like:
Heart Palpitations
A feeling that your heart is racing, fluttering, or skipping beats. You might feel this in your chest or neck, and it can come on suddenly, lasting for a few seconds to minutes or more.
Fatigue or Weakness
A general sense of being overly tired or drained, even without doing much physical activity. You might feel like you have no energy or that simple tasks wear you out more than usual.
Shortness of Breath
Difficulty in catching your breath, especially when walking, exercising, or even lying down. It can feel like you just can’t get enough air, even with mild activity.
Irregular Heartbeat (Irregular Pulse)
When you check your pulse, it may feel uneven or unpredictable. It may beat fast for a few seconds, slow down, and then speed up again without a steady rhythm.
Complications of Untreated Atrial Fibrillation (AFib):
Stroke 🧠
AFib can cause blood to pool in the atria, increasing the risk of blood clots that may travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
Heart Failure ❤️
AFib can cause blood to pool in the atria, increasing the risk of blood clots that may travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
Cognitive Decline and Dementia 🧩
AFib is linked to reduced brain perfusion and silent strokes, which can lead to memory loss, confusion, and long-term cognitive impairment.
Blood Clots in Other Organs 🩸
Clots can travel beyond the brain, causing kidney damage, bowel infarction, or pulmonary embolism, each potentially fatal.
Why Does Prevention Matters?
AFib risk increases with age, high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. While some factors like genetics or age are beyond our control, many triggers are modifiable. Addressing these can delay or even prevent AFib onset.
Stay Physically Active
Regular exercise keeps your heart strong and helps maintain a healthy weight. It also helps to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and activity.
Limit Alcohol & Caffeine
Too much intake can trigger irregular heart rhythms—consume them in moderation.
Manage Your Health Condition
Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity further increase the risk of Afib. Ensure you manage the conditions with medicines as per your doctors instruction and through a healthy lifestyle.
Monitor Your Blood Pressure Daily
High blood pressure is a major trigger for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). Daily monitoring helps detect early changes and prevent complications.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) may not be entirely avoidable—but it is largely manageable and often preventable with the right approach. Prevention starts with awareness, followed by action. Screen regularly. Know your numbers. And take charge of your heart health.
