We have all felt butterflies in our stomachs—the fluttery sensation one can feel in the abdomen when nervous, anxious, excited, or anticipating something. While those butterflies may come about before giving a big speech or entering an uncomfortable situation, they are often associated with positive feelings like attraction or love. These butterflies typically flitter away into the ether without cause for concern.
Those butterflies can travel from your stomach to your heart, causing your heart to race or beat irregularly. Heart palpitations occur when your heart races, pounds, or skips a beat, as the Cleveland Clinic describes. Palpitations are a feeling, not an actual condition, and are generally nothing to worry about. However, palpitations can also be a symptom of an irregular heartbeat, otherwise known as an arrhythmia, which can be more concerning.
Since launching WellTree I’ve had quite a few people reach out to me who have experienced a heart condition, and AFib is by far the most common condition. This article explores Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), the most common arrhythmia. A recent study estimates that it affects 10.5 million adults in the U.S., a significant increase from the previous estimate of 2.7 to 6.1 million Americans. AFib is associated with a significantly elevated risk for stroke, heart disease, and dementia, as we’ll explore below. September is also AFib awareness month, so there is even more reason to dive in and learn about this condition.
What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?
Your heart is a muscle. Electrical impulses driven by the heart conduction system cause the muscles to contract and pump blood into your body. In a normal functioning heart, the upper (atria) and lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart beat in harmony, allowing blood to flow from the atria to the ventricles and then out of the heart.
As noted above, an irregular heart rhythm is called an arrhythmia. There are various types of arrhythmias, the most common being AFib. As described by The Mayo Clinic, AFib occurs when the heart’s upper chambers — the atria — beat chaotically and irregularly or quiver. They beat out of sync with the lower heart chambers, the ventricles.
In a healthy heart, this signaling process usually goes smoothly. The resting heart rate is typically 60 to 100 beats a minute. In people with AFib, the heart rate may range from 100 to 175 beats a minute.
By contrast, AFib’s less common but more deadly cousin is Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib). Whereas AFib starts with the upper chambers – the atria, VFib occurs when the lower chambers – the ventricles – contract in a very rapid and uncoordinated manner. As a result, the heart doesn’t pump blood to the rest of the body, per the Mayo Clinic.
Risk of Atrial Fibrillation
The quivering atria can lead to blood pooling in the heart because the blood is not pumped efficiently from chamber to chamber. This pooling can cause blood clots to form inside the heart. These clots can then be pumped out of the heart and travel to the brain, causing a stroke. This is why AFib dramatically increases the risk of stroke, per Cedars Sinai.
According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, people with atrial fibrillation have 3 to 5 times greater risk for ischemic stroke.
Beyond stroke, other complications associated with AFib can include Heart Failure, Heart Attack, and Dementia, as further detailed by John Hopkins Medicine.
AFib Causes
The exact cause of AFib is not always clear, but several factors can increase the risk of developing the condition. Common causes include damage to the heart’s electrical system due to aging, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
The risk of AFib increases as you grow older. Other risk factors include a history of heart attacks, heart valve problems, congenital heart defects, or previous heart surgeries. Additionally, chronic conditions such as sleep apnea, hyperthyroidism, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes can raise the risk of AFib.
Lifestyle factors like excessive caffeine, alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and high levels of stress also contribute. In some cases, AFib can occur in otherwise healthy individuals, particularly during bouts of illness or extreme physical exertion. Of note for athletes, minerals in the blood called electrolytes — such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium — help the heart beat. If these substances are too low or too high, irregular heartbeats may occur. Genetic predisposition can also play a role, with some people inheriting a greater likelihood of developing AFib from their family.
AFib Symptoms
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, some people with AFib may feel fine and not know they have the condition until it is found in a routine test called an electrocardiogram. Other people have symptoms. The symptoms can affect people in different ways. If you are experiencing any of these Afib symptoms, visit your doctor.
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- Palpitations – this might feel like your heart is racing, beating irregularly or flip-flopping in your chest.
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- Feeling very tired/ having no energy – you may feel short of breath or weak with the slightest physical effort.
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- Chest discomfort
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- Feeling light-headed or dizzy
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- Sweating
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- Feeling anxious
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- Trouble concentrating
If you are experiencing chest discomfort or other signs of a heart attack, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.
AFib Treatment
Treating atrial fibrillation (AFib) focuses on three main goals: controlling the heart’s rate and rhythm, preventing blood clots, and reducing the risk of stroke. Treatment options vary but usually include lifestyle changes, medications, and medical procedures. Medications can either slow the heart rate (using beta-blockers) or help restore a normal rhythm (with antiarrhythmics). Blood thinners, such as anticoagulants, are critical in preventing clots that can cause strokes.
For some people, cardioversion—a procedure that uses an electrical shock or medication to reset the heart’s rhythm—may be necessary. While cardioversion is similar to defibrillation, it uses a much lower electrical charge. When medications and cardioversion are not enough, catheter ablation may be recommended. This procedure destroys small areas of heart tissue responsible for the irregular rhythm. In severe cases, a pacemaker might be implanted to help regulate the heart’s beat. The best treatment approach depends on the individual’s condition and overall health, often requiring a combination of methods to manage AFib effectively.
Conclusion
Just like the butterflies we feel in our stomachs, which come and go without worry, the fluttering sensations in our hearts can sometimes be harmless. However, when those “butterflies” turn into the irregular and chaotic beating of atrial fibrillation, it’s time to pay attention. AFib isn’t just a fleeting feeling—it’s a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications like stroke, heart failure, and dementia if left unchecked.
Taking control of your heart health begins with awareness. Recognizing the symptoms, understanding the risk factors, and seeking timely medical advice can make all the difference. Whether through treatment or lifestyle changes, you can reduce the impact of AFib on your life and prevent future complications.
Don’t wait for those flutters to turn into something more dangerous. If you or someone you know may be experiencing AFib, act now. Consult your doctor, take steps toward a heart-healthy lifestyle, and encourage others to do the same. Spread the word—awareness can save lives.