Q. What are the potential complications and risks associated with atrial fibrillation?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Atrial fibrillation comes with its fair share of complications and risks. Let's dive into the key ones:
1. Stroke Risk: A significant concern. Irregular heartbeats in atrial fibrillation can lead to blood clots. If a clot forms and travels to the brain, it can result in a stroke.
2. Heart Failure: Over time, the erratic rhythm can weaken the heart. This might lead to heart failure, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively.
3. Blood Clots: Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of blood clots not only in the brain but also in other parts of the body, leading to problems like deep vein thrombosis.
4. Fatigue: A-fib can be tiring. The irregular heartbeat can leave you feeling exhausted as your heart isn't pumping blood as efficiently.
5. Chest Pain: Some people experience chest discomfort, known as angina, due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
6. Cognitive Issues: Decreased blood flow to the brain can lead to memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and cognitive decline.
7. Additional Heart Complications: A-fib can lead to other heart-related issues like hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiomyopathy.
It's crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage and minimize these risks. They might recommend medications, lifestyle changes, or even procedures like ablation to keep these complications at bay. Regular check-ups and sticking to your treatment plan can help you live a healthier, more fulfilling life despite atrial fibrillation.