Effects of Atrial Fibrillation on the Body

Atrial fibrillation, additionally called AFib or AF, is Associate in Nursing electrical disorder of the higher chambers of the guts. although it’s not essentially harmful by itself, having AFib will increase your risk for alternative heart-related issues, yet as stroke. scan on to seek out out the consequences arrhythmia will wear the body.

What is AFib?

AFib affects the higher chambers of the guts, referred to as the atria. It’s Associate in Nursing electrical disorder that causes speedy electrical signals that will reach many beats per minute. These signals interfere with the power of the higher chambers to consent Associate in Nursing organized method.

AFib has many attainable causes. It’s the foremost common complication when operation, per the yankee Heart Association. AFib may additionally be brought on by untreated connected conditions, like high vital sign.

In some cases, AFib might haven't any diagnosable cause. whereas it may be managed by treatments, AFib will eventually cause serious complications.

These complications will occur from ablated pumping action and passive blood flow. Blood will even pool inside the guts. Some folks with AFib haven't any symptoms, whereas others expertise a large vary of symptoms.


AFib will increase risk for heart-related disorders and stroke. Having AFib additionally puts you at a better risk for added disorders that have an effect on your heart’s rhythm.

AFib will typically happen sometimes, and it should resolve on its own. However, AFib may be long-lived — even permanent.

Cardiovascular and circulatory systems

When your heart’s electrical system is out of whack, the chambers lose their rhythm. a typical symptom of AFib is that the sensation that your heart is flopping around within your chest, or just beating on an irregular basis, inflicting palpitations. you will become terribly tuned in to your own heartbeat.


Over time, AFib will cause the guts to weaken and malfunction. The heart’s ineffective contractions cause blood to pool within the atria. this could increase the danger of natural process.

As a result, you will experience:

shortness of breath
low vital sign
chest pain
During Associate in Nursing episode of AFib, your pulse might desire its sport, beating too slowly, or beating on an irregular basis.

Central system

Having AFib will increase your risk for stroke. once the guts fails to contract properly, blood tends to pool within the atria. If a clot forms, it will then jaunt the brain, wherever it blocks the blood offer, inflicting Associate in Nursing coagulum stroke.

Early warning signs of stroke embody severe headache and unintelligible speech. If you have got AFib, your risk of stroke will increase as you age. alternative further risk factors for stroke include:

diabetes
high vital sign
history of heart issues
previous strokes
family history of stroke
Blood thinners and alternative medications will lower these risk factors. modus vivendi measures will facilitate create a distinction, too. These include:

getting regular exercise
eating a low-sodium diet if you have got high blood pressure
maintaining a healthy weight
KNOWING THE SIGNS OF A STROKE
If you suspect you are having a stroke, the National Stroke Association suggests victimization the term “FAST” to assist you acknowledge common stroke symptoms.
HEALTHLINE PARTNER SOLUTIONS
Get Answers from a Doctor in Minutes, Anytime
Have medical questions? Connect with a board-certified, full-fledged doctor on-line or by phone. Pediatricians and alternative specialists on the market 24/7.

Respiratory system

Your lungs need a gentle offer of blood so as to perform properly. Irregular pumping of the guts may cause fluid to keep a copy within the lungs. Symptoms include:

shortness of breath
difficulty playing physical activities
fatigue
Skeletal and muscular systems
With AFib, you will have a buildup of fluid in your legs, ankles, and feet. It’s additionally not uncommon to expertise irritability and muscle weakness throughout antecedently routine activities. you would possibly realize Associate in Nursing overall reduced ability to exercise because of the consequences of AFib.

Other symptoms

Other symptoms embody weight gain, lightheadedness, and a general feeling of discomfort and fatigue. you will additionally notice increased  micturition.

AFib might not cause any symptoms in any respect — some folks don’t recognize they need this condition till it’s discovered by their doctor. this can be why, on prime of watching your own health and symptoms, you must create it some extent to create your counseled exams and see your doctor often.