{"id":17231,"date":"2023-03-15T08:38:07","date_gmt":"2023-03-15T08:38:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aktiia.com\/uk\/?p=17231"},"modified":"2026-02-24T17:23:45","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T17:23:45","slug":"atrial-fibrillation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hilo.com\/uk\/art\/atrial-fibrillation\/","title":{"rendered":"Atrial Fibrillation: Symptoms, Risks, and What to Do"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Atrial fibrillation is a common heart condition that causes an irregular, often abnormally fast heartbeat. In this guide, we discuss the symptoms, causes and treatment and how the condition can be connected to high blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>\n<h5><strong>Call 999 immediately if you are experiencing chest pain, chest tightness, discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders, or if you feel weak, light-headed, or faint.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is atrial fibrillation, or AFib?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Atrial fibrillation, abbreviated as AFib or AF, is a common condition that causes an irregular, often abnormally fast heart rate. Some people can feel their heart \u2018racing\u2019, or experience a fluttering feeling in their chest, known as palpitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It may come and go, or it may be persistent. While it\u2019s not life-threatening, it\u2019s considered serious because in some cases it can lead to heart failure or stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types of Atrial Fibrillation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are three <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/atrial-fibrillation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">types of atrial fibrillation<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation<\/strong> is when AFib symptoms resolve on their own within 7 days. Usually, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation will resolve within 24 hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Persistent AFib <\/strong>symptoms are similar to paroxysmal, but medical treatment is required.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Long-standing persistent AFib <\/strong>lasts more than a year and does not respond to treatment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Permanent atrial fibrillation<\/strong> does not go away<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Atrial fibrillation symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Heart palpitations are the most obvious symptom of atrial fibrillation. You may find your heart feels like it\u2019s pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly, for a few seconds or even minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/atrial-fibrillation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">atrial fibrillation symptoms<\/a> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Feeling tired or lethargic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finding it harder to exercise<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shortness of breath<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feeling faint or lightheaded<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chest pains<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-weight:700\">Call 999 if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-weight:700\">Have chest pains or chest tightness that comes and goes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-weight:700\">Notice a sudden change in your heartbeat or your heart rate is consistently lower than 60 or above 100<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-weight:700\">Feel discomfort in your arms, back, neck or jaw<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-weight:700\">Experience shortness of breath, sweating or feeling nauseated<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-weight:700\">If these symptoms last more than 15 minutes, you could be having a heart attack. Call 999 immediately.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Atrial fibrillation symptoms at night<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Nighttime AFib symptoms can look a little bit different from daytime symptoms. Inform your doctor if you have been experiencing any of these symptoms while you sleep:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Heavy breathing during sleep<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Night waking with a weird feeling in your chest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Night sweats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Waking with feelings of anxiousness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Because atrial fibrillation can be affected by how you sleep, the Hilo Band now tracks your sleep duration. This can help you and your doctor see if your sleep duration is linked to your night-time blood pressure and AFib symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AFib vs Arrhythmia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An irregular heartbeat is considered an arrhythmia when the heartbeat is too slow, too fast, or otherwise irregular. AFib is an irregular heartbeat in the two atria of the heart. With AFib, blood does not efficiently flow into the lower heart chambers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest information on cardiovascular health and staying strong and vibrant no matter your age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"klaviyo-form-TNVPZK\" style=\"margin-bottom: 30px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AFib Causes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While the exact <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/atrial-fibrillation\/causes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cause of atrial fibrillation<\/a> isn\u2019t known, it\u2019s more common with age and in people with other cardiovascular conditions, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>High blood pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Atherosclerosis (plaque in the arteries)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heart valve disease<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Congenital heart disease<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coronary heart disease<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cardiomyopathy (a condition affecting the heart muscles)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pericarditis (inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Atrial fibrillation is also associated with other medical conditions, including pneumonia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer and pulmonary embolism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But many people with atrial fibrillation won\u2019t have any pre-existing conditions or risk factors \u2013 it can even affect those who are physically very fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diagnosis and treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Checking your pulse can give you a good indication of whether you have atrial fibrillation, but your general practitioner will investigate thoroughly before making a diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your doctor suspects you have atrial fibrillation, they may send you for an electrocardiogram (ECG) and refer you to a heart specialist for further testing, which may include a combination of chest x-ray, echocardiogram (EKG), or blood tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have an atrial fibrillation diagnosis, you\u2019ll be given a treatment plan. If your healthcare team can identify a cause, such as an overactive thyroid gland, for example, you may only need treatment for the root cause. If testing does not reveal an underlying cause, the treatment options are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Modification of lifestyle or risk factors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medicines to reduce the risk of a stroke<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medications to control atrial fibrillation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cardioversion (electric shock treatment)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Catheter ablation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AFib and High Blood Pressure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure are two separate conditions, they are interlinked. <strong>High blood pressure is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation, and those with high blood pressure in middle age are at increased risk for atrial fibrillation later in life.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both conditions increase the risk of stroke. In hypertension, the force of blood pushing against the arteries is too high, causing gradual damage to the arteries and the possibility that a weakened blood vessel may rupture in or near the brain. With atrial fibrillation, the rapid heartbeat allows blood to pool in the heart, which can cause clots to form and travel to the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But even if you\u2019re among the millions of people with high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation, there\u2019s plenty you can do to minimise your chances of having a stroke. Take your medication as prescribed and follow the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhf.org.uk\/informationsupport\/support\/healthy-living\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">British Heart Foundation\u2019s<\/a> lifestyle recommendations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eat healthily, swapping to lower fat options and lean meats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be physically active, aiming for a brisk half-hour walk every day. The Hilo Band&#8217;s new step counter can help. It automatically tracks your daily activity, showing you how moving more can help manage the risks associated with atrial fibrillation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quit smoking: 20 minutes after stopping, heart rate and blood pressure return to normal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cut down on alcohol by switching to alcohol-free drinks or halving your units<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Control high blood pressure by cutting down on salt and managing stress<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work on your cholesterol levels by eating more fibre and fewer saturated fats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be mindful of your blood sugar levels, swapping sugary snacks for fruits and choose sugar-free drinks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To get a sense of your risk, it\u2019s a good idea to check your blood pressure regularly. You can schedule frequent checks with your doctor, but since office visits aren\u2019t always convenient, a lot of people choose to monitor with a home blood pressure cuff or with continuous monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/hilo.com\/uk\/blood-pressure-monitor\/\">Continuous monitoring<\/a> with a specialized wristband is the most efficient and effortless way to keep tabs on your blood pressure throughout the day and night. To get started, new users complete a simple 4-day calibration process with a traditional cuff. After that, the Hilo Band delivers continuous blood pressure readings 24\/7, with a quick recalibration needed only once a month. If you are continuously monitoring and keeping track of your lifestyle changes, you can get a sense of what\u2019s working and where you may need to make adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs About Atrial Fibrillation<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1771318771513\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How long can you live with an irregular heartbeat?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart failure. But, if you and your doctor are taking steps to manage your cardiovascular health, AFib won\u2019t necessarily shorten your lifespan.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1771318799831\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">When should I be worried about irregular heartbeat?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>If you notice irregular heartbeat, you should discuss it with your doctor. <strong>If your symptoms just started or are getting worse, if they last more than a few minutes, or if you are also experiencing chest pain, pressure, or tightness, call 999 and seek medical attention immediately.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1771318817782\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is a normal heart rate?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/common-health-questions\/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments\/how-do-i-check-someones-pulse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">normal resting heart rate<\/a> for a healthy adult should be between 60 and 100 beats a minute. Several factors can alter your heart rate, such as medications, age, stress, and even your <a href=\"https:\/\/hilo.com\/art\/menstrual-cycle-blood-pressure\">menstrual cycle<\/a>. You can check your heart rate by finding your pulse in your neck or wrist, and counting beats per minute.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1771318842248\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How to check your pulse rate<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>1. Find your pulse in your wrist or neck. Place your index and middle fingers on the pulse point. No need to press hard &#8211; if you can feel the beat, you\u2019re ready.<br \/>2. Set a timer for one minute (60 seconds).<br \/>3. Count how many beats you feel in one minute. That\u2019s your heart rate in beats per minute.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1771318943764\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is atrial fibrillation hereditary?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Atrial fibrillation can run in families, or the condition can be isolated to one person in the family. AFib that runs in families is known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/atrial-fibrillation\/expert-answers\/atrial-fibrillation-genetics\/faq-20111614\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">familial atrial fibrillation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1771318945592\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is a dangerous heart rate with AFib?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>In atrial fibrillation, the heart rate can climb to 100-200 beats per minute. <strong>If a rapid heart rate lasts for more than a few minutes, call your doctor immediately.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of us would admit we could be doing more to look after our health, and the recommendations above apply to us all. But if you\u2019ve been diagnosed with hypertension or atrial fibrillation, it\u2019s even more important to make healthy choices and minimise the risks. Monitoring your heart rate and blood pressure regularly and knowing your triggers is a great first step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i>Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice, and is not a replacement for medical advice. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a qualified medical professional before making any changes to your health regimen.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>NHS Overview: Atrial Firbillation, May 17, 2021 \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/atrial-fibrillation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/atrial-fibrillation<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Atrial fibrillation (AF) : causes, symptoms and treatments, March 2021 \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhf.org.uk\/informationsupport\/conditions\/atrial-fibrillation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.bhf.org.uk\/atrial-fibrillation<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>High Blood Pressure, AFib and Your Risk of Stroke, July 31, 2015 \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/health-topics\/atrial-fibrillation-why-atrial-fibrillation-af-or-afib-matters\/high-blood-pressure-afib-and-your-risk-of-stroke\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.heart.org\/health-topics\/high-blood-pressure-afib-and-your-risk-of-stroke<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Complications of Atrial Fibrillation, February 22, 2023 \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/heart-disease\/atrial-fibrillation\/afib-complications\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/heart-disease-afib-complications<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How do I check someone\u2019s pulse? June 16, 2022 \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/common-health-questions\/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments\/how-do-i-check-someones-pulse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/common-health-questions-how-do-i-check-someones-pulse<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Does atrial fibrillation run in families? October 11, 2022 \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/atrial-fibrillation\/expert-answers\/atrial-fibrillation-genetics\/faq-20111614\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/expert-answers-atrial-fibrillation-genetics<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>British Health Foundation: Healthy Living, Accessed February 27, 2023 \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhf.org.uk\/informationsupport\/support\/healthy-living\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.bhf.org.uk\/support-healthy-living<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Atrial fibrillation is a common heart condition that causes an irregular, often abnormally fast heartbeat. Call 999 if you experience chest pain, chest tightness, discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders, or feel weak, light-headed, or faint. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":25189,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[152,157],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17231","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-art","category-managing-hypertension"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hilo.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17231","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hilo.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hilo.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hilo.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hilo.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17231"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/hilo.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17231\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":263055,"href":"https:\/\/hilo.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17231\/revisions\/263055"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hilo.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25189"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hilo.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17231"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hilo.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17231"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hilo.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}