New Delhi: To create awareness about atrial fibrillation (AFib) as one of the most prevalent forms of irregular heartbeat in the world, awareness should be created during the event of World Atrial Fibrillation Day. Heart rhythm issues are believed to pop up out of the blue or only because one has severe heart disease, but in reality, certain aspects of everyday life, such as body weight, sleep patterns, stress, and alcohol use, silently trigger or aggravate irregular heart rhythm.
What is atrial fibrillation?
Dr. Akhil Kumar Rustagi, Senior Director & HOD – Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery (CTVS), Cardiac Sciences, ShardaCare-Healthcity, answered all FAQs about atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation is a disorder of electrical impulses in the upper chambers of the heart, the result of which is a lack of regularity and rapid contraction of the heart. Although genetic factors and aging are some contributing factors, lifestyle triggers are becoming important factors. The excess weight, in particular, positively stimulates inflammation and puts a greater burden on the heart, which increases the risk of developing AFib. High blood pressure and diabetes are also linked to obesity, and they contribute to the possibility of rhythm disturbances even more.
One of the most effective preventive measures is to maintain a healthy weight by means of maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise. Another important consideration that is usually ignored is sleep. The body can be affected by the natural control of the heart rhythm due to poor sleep habits or conditions like obstructive sleep apnea. Disrupted breathing in sleep causes changes in the oxygen levels and cardiovascular system loading, which exposes people to arrhythmias. Risk reduction can be achieved by placing good sleep hygiene as a priority and getting an assessment of such symptoms as loud snoring or excessive daytime fatigue.
Another major cause of irregular heartbeats is stress. Chronic stress raises the level of adrenaline and cortisol, which are likely to overstimulate the heart and interfere with its electrical stability. The balance can be maintained by relaxation methods, regular exercise, and conscious lifestyle choices. Even moderate alcohol use in some people can trigger atrial fibrillation. Too much alcohol interferes with electrolyte balance and heart muscle activity, and this can cause sudden palpitations or irregular rhythms, a so-called holiday heart syndrome.
It is important to note the symptoms like palpitations, fatigue, breathlessness, dizziness, or reduced exercise tolerance. The rest of the complications, such as heart failure or stroke, can be greatly minimized with early diagnosis and lifestyle modification. World Atrial Fibrillation Day is a reminder that the process of protecting heart rhythm begins with awareness, prevention, and proactive health choices. Individuals can be proactive in ensuring that they have a constant and healthy heartbeat through dealing with the unseen triggers in their lifestyles.
Comments are closed.