Facts about A-fib Triggers and Ways to Avoid Them

A-fib or Atrial Fibrillation is an irregular, rapid heartbeat and during an attack, the ticker might not pump enough oxygenated blood to the rest of the body causing symptoms such as weakness, dizziness and lightheadedness. A-fib itself is not life-threatening but can lead to serious and deadly complications, such as a stroke, or new or worsening of heart failure (HF).

There are several treatments available, but you can have more control over your A-fib by knowing about the common A-fib triggers and avoiding them.

A-fib triggers mean there are certain situations and factors that can contribute to attacks or flares as with many medical conditions. Some of the potential A-fib triggers are

Medical Procedures- A surgery (such as heart surgery is often linked with an A-fib attack) that causes stress in a person can trigger an attack. A patient with A-fib should let their doctor know prior to undergoing a medical procedure, even if it is a minor one.

Exercise- For an individual with A-fib, moderate or low intensity exercise is generally considered good. But a sudden increase in exercise or intensity of workout can trigger an A-fib attack.

Stress- Stress is a very common trigger. Individuals with A-fib should be able to identify personal stressors and take steps to avoid or reduce them. Few stress-reduction techniques include yoga, deep breathing, Tai Chi, etc.

Caffeine- Doctors consider consumption of caffeine as an A-fib trigger. But as suggested by more recent evidence, A-fib might not be triggered by intake of caffeine. Healthcare providers suggest people with atrial fibrillation to avoid caffeine altogether or drink it in moderation until there’s more proof that caffeine has nothing to do with A-fib.

Other triggers are air pollution, dehydration, fatigue, over-the-counter and recreational drugs.

Ways to Avoid Triggers:

When it comes to avoiding A-fib attack, what works for an individual with A-fib may not work for another, so it largely depends on the individual. In general, avoiding or reducing stress, getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, performing well-monitored and light exercise and avoiding things that have caused an A-fib reaction in the past- can reduce attacks in a person with A-fib.

Causes:

Atrial fibrillation is commonly caused by changes or damage to the structure of the ticker with some possible causes being heart attacks, viral infections, heart defects, lung diseases, abnormal heart valves, certain medications, overactive thyroid gland, aging, coronary artery disease, stress, previous heart surgery, sleep apnea, caffeine, tobacco or alcohol. Some people have A-fib without any heart defects or damage which is called lone atrial fibrillation. The cause of this condition isn’t always clear, but serious complications for lone A-fib are rare.

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