If you have a family history of AFib, you can take proactive steps such as monitoring your heart health, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress and getting regular checkups. Early detection can help prevent complications like stroke or heart failure.

While genetics may play a role, having a family history of AFib does not mean you will develop it. It just means being mindful of your heart health is even more important.

• Bradycardia (slow heart rate): The heart beats too slowly, typically fewer than 60 beats per minute, which can cause fatigue, dizziness or fainting.
• Fibrillation (irregular heartbeat): The heart’s electrical signals become chaotic, causing rapid, uncoordinated beats. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) and ventricular fibrillation are common types.
• Premature heartbeats (extra or skipped beats): Extra heartbeats that disrupt the normal rhythm, often felt as a fluttering or skipping sensation in the chest.
• Tachycardia (fast heart rate): The heart beats too quickly, usually over 100 beats per minute, which can lead to palpitations, shortness of breath or chest discomfort.

Each type varies in severity and treatment options, but with the right care, many arrhythmias can be effectively managed.

AFib symptoms can include:

• Chest discomfort or pain: A sensation of tightness, pressure or pain in the chest.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: Feeling unsteady, woozy or as if you might faint.
• Exercise intolerance: Unusual fatigue or difficulty keeping up with normal physical activity.
• Fatigue or weakness: Persistent tiredness, even without exertion.
• Heart palpitations: A fluttering, rapid or irregular heartbeat sensation, often described as pounding or skipping beats.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during activity or while lying down.
• Sweating without exertion: Sudden or excessive sweating unrelated to heat or physical activity.

Some people with AFib experience symptoms only occasionally (paroxysmal AFib), while others may have persistent or permanent AFib that requires ongoing management. If you notice any of these symptoms — especially chest pain or fainting — seek medical attention right away to prevent complications like stroke or heart failure.

• Alcohol or caffeine consumption: Excessive intake can overstimulate the heart and trigger irregular beats.
• Congenital heart defects: Irregular heart rhythms can be present from birth due to structural abnormalities.
• Coronary artery disease (CAD): Blocked or narrowed arteries can reduce blood flow to the heart, leading to rhythm disturbances.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the heart’s electrical system and increase the risk of arrhythmias.
• Electrolyte imbalances: Low or high levels of potassium, sodium, calcium or magnesium can interfere with heart signaling.
• Heart attacks: Damage to heart tissue from a previous heart attack can disrupt normal electrical pathways.
• Heart failure: A weakened heart may struggle to maintain a steady rhythm.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): Increased pressure can strain the heart and alter its electrical activity.
• Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism: An overactive or underactive thyroid can affect heart rate and rhythm.
• Infections or inflammation: Conditions like myocarditis or pericarditis can interfere with heart function.
• Lung diseases (COPD, sleep apnea, etc.): Poor oxygen levels and increased heart strain can contribute to arrhythmias.
• Medications and stimulants: Certain prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and illegal substances can affect heart rhythm.
• Stress and anxiety: Emotional distress or chronic stress can lead to irregular heartbeats.
• Surgery or medical procedures: Some cardiac surgeries or interventions may temporarily or permanently affect heart rhythm.

While arrhythmias like AFib can be concerning, many of these causes are manageable with lifestyle changes, medication or treatment. Early diagnosis and proper care can help restore a steady heartbeat and improve overall heart health.

Common treatment options for atrial fibrillation include:

• Medications
  • Rate-control medications: Drugs like beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers help slow the heart rate and make it more regular.
  • Rhythm-control medications: Antiarrhythmic drugs help restore and maintain a normal heart rhythm.
  • Blood thinners (anticoagulants): Medications like warfarin or newer anticoagulants (e.g., apixaban) reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke.
• Electrical cardioversion: A procedure where a controlled electric shock is delivered to the heart to reset it to a normal rhythm.
• Ablation therapy: A minimally invasive procedure where heat or cold is used to destroy small areas of the heart tissue that is causing irregular electrical signals.
• Pacemaker: In some cases, if AFib causes slow heart rates or other issues, a pacemaker may be implanted to regulate heart rhythm.
• Lifestyle changes: Managing underlying conditions (like high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity), reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, managing stress and maintaining a healthy weight can help control AFib.
• Surgery (Maze procedure): For severe or persistent AFib, this surgery creates small scars in the heart to block abnormal electrical signals and restore normal rhythm.

If you’re diagnosed with AFib, our experts will work with you to create an AFib treatment plan that’s customized to your needs and goals and keeps your whole health in mind.

Avoid smoking, maintain a healthy weight and ask your health care provider how to best manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. It also helps to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sitting or standing and consider wearing compression stockings if needed.

Regular checkups can help catch issues early, and being mindful of symptoms like leg pain or swelling ensures timely care. Small daily habits can make a big difference in keeping your vascular system strong.

Your appointment will likely include:

• Initial discussion: This may take 10 to 15 minutes to review your medical history, symptoms and concerns.
• Physical exam: Your exam will likely take five to 10 minutes, including checking your vital signs and heart and lung function.
• Tests (if needed): Some tests, like an electrocardiogram (ECG), may add 10 to 30 minutes. Other tests, such as echocardiograms or blood work, might require a follow-up visit.
• Treatment plan and questions: This step may take 10 to 15 minutes to discuss findings and next steps.

If your appointment includes multiple tests or procedures, it may take longer, but your doctor’s office or medical center will inform you in advance.

Here’s a general breakdown:

• Exercise stress test (30 to 60 minutes): The actual exercise portion (e.g., walking on a treadmill) usually lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, but the setup, preparation and post-test monitoring take additional time.
• Nuclear stress test (two to four hours): This test can take several hours, depending on the imaging process. The test includes periods of rest between images and may require two sets of scans — one during rest and one after stress.
• Stress echocardiogram (30 to 60 minutes): This test includes pre- and post-stress ultrasound imaging along with the stress-inducing activity.
• Pharmacologic stress test (one to two hours): The medication takes a few minutes to mimic the stress, followed by monitoring and imaging as needed.

Your health care team will provide a detailed timeline for your specific test. They’ll ensure everything is done efficiently while keeping you comfortable and informed throughout the process.