Artrial Fibrillation: Why Is My Heart Beating Fast?

 A rapid and irregular heartbeat characterizes atrial fibrillation. Atria, the upper chambers of the heart beat in a turbulent manner out of sync with the lower sections, ventricles.

Atrial fibrillation can occur in four ways that include:
  • Non- habitual- symptoms appear for a short time and disappear. They last for a few minutes up to hours. In that event, it is called paroxysmal
  • Stubborn- with this kind, an episode doesn't return to normal without intervention. This situation calls for a visit to an emergency room near you for treatment 
  • Long-standing persistent- in this case, the heart rhythm is uncoordinated continuously for more than 12 months
  • Lasting- the symptoms exhibited are permanent, and heart rhythm stays abnormal. The condition can only be managed by constant medication

What Are the Causes?

Injury to the heart's tissues and abnormalities trigger most cases. Possible reasons for atrial fibrillation include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Unusual heart valves
  • Congenital disability
  • Abuse of stimulants
  • Sick sinus syndrome
  • Heart surgery
  • Sleep apnea

What Should I Look Out For

Some symptoms you may experience are:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations- feelings of uneasiness, abnormal and racing heartbeat
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness

What are the Complications?

Atrial fibrillation is not critical. However, it increases the chances of blood clots' formation in the upper chambers of the heart. Blood clots are deadly as they may travel through the circulatory system and block blood vessels leading to major organs. This presents a high probability of a stroke, heart failure, heart attack, and aneurysm.

The unstable nature of atrial fibrillation is worrying. If any symptoms appear, seek medical care from our emergency room in Waco. At Express ER, we understand the nature of emergencies and provide 24-hour emergency care guaranteed to be immediate and helpful.





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