How do you control atrial fibrillation

Blood pressure monitors are available from pharmacies or you can purchase them online. Lack of sleep could trigger an A-fib episode. Furthermore, some sleep conditions — including sleep apnea and insomnia — can increase the risk of heart problems. For optimal health, people should aim to get between 7 and 9 hours of quality sleep a night. Anyone who suspects they have sleep apnea should consult a doctor.

Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure, which are all risk factors for A-fib. Smoking has been linked to an increased incidence of A-fib. Research suggests that current smokers have a more than twofold-increased risk of A-fib than non-smokers and former smokers. Practice good stress management techniques, such as:.

As A-fib can lead to serious complications, such as stroke, people should treat it as a serious medical condition. It is important for anyone who experiences symptoms of A-fib to see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor may recommend medications or medical procedures to control symptoms and decrease stroke risk. People should only use the above-listed techniques to stop an A-fib episode after first consulting a doctor about their symptoms.

Atrial fibrillation A-fib refers to an irregular heartbeat. It can cause complications without treatment. Some people with A-fib may need surgery…. Atrial fibrillation is a condition in which the upper two chambers of the heart beat quickly and irregularly. Chronic atrial fibrillation can cause…. A heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute. Elsevier; Accessed Feb. Ferri FF.

Atrial fibrillation. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Accessed July 12, Petryszyn P, et al. Effectiveness of screening for atrial fibrillation and its determinants. A meta-analysis. PLoS One. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed July 22, Kumar K. Overview of atrial fibrillation. Accessed Aug. Bonow RO, et al. Atrial fibrillation: Clinical features, mechanisms and management.

January CT, et al. Catheter ablation. Accessed Jan. High blood pressure, Afib, and your risk of stroke. American Heart Association. Antiarrhythmic drugs to maintain sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation: Recommendations. Ganz LI. Control of ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation: Pharmacologic therapy. Reddy VY, et al. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Braswell Pickering EA. Allscripts EPSi.

Mayo Clinic. Most of the symptoms of AF depend on whether the heart is beating faster or slower than normal. Very rapid heartbeats might be more noticeable as well as more dangerous. A chaotic heartbeat affects blood pressure and can lead to blood clots that blocks circulation of blood to other organs called an ischemia. Blood pooling in the upper chambers of the heart can also increase the risk for a stroke, while a blockage in the lower chamber can contribute to heart failure over time.

According to the American Heart Association, risk factors for atrial fibrillation include: Normally, the rhythm of the heartbeat is controlled through electrical signals that travel through the heart and cause contractions that pump blood at a normal pace. Healthy adults experience a heartbeat about 60— times every minute or sometimes less in athletes through signals that are sent from the sinus node or sinoatrial node in the heart.

The signals travel through the right and left atria, down to the atrioventricular node, then to the ventricles, which finally pump blood to the lungs and elsewhere. In contrast, someone with atrial fibrillation can have a heartbeat of — times a minute.

Instead, according to the Heart Rhythm Society, electrical signals start in the atria or pulmonary veins where they take on a rapid and disorganized rhythm. This results in a very fast heartbeat that overwhelms the atria and ventricles, causing them to lose coordination and affecting the amount of blood pumped out of the ventricles to the rest of the body. Instead of the organs receiving blood supply at a regular pace, people with AF pump out either small or large amounts of blood at once.

One of the underlying causes of atrial fibrillation is cardiovascular disease. Josh Axe is on a mission to provide you and your family with the highest quality nutrition tips and healthy recipes in the world More Health Dr. Axe on Facebook 22 Dr. Axe on Twitter 0 Dr. Axe on Instagram Dr. Axe on Google Plus Dr. Once you have an explanation for the fluttering feeling that atrial fibrillation produces, your first priority is to get the condition under control.

Atrial fibrillation, or Afib , is a common type of arrhythmia , or irregular heartbeat. Often, atrial fibrillation occurs because the electrical system that keeps your heartbeat steady has been damaged by problems like high blood pressure or coronary heart disease. Taking the necessary steps to keep your heart functioning properly can help you maintain a regular heartbeat and prevent atrial fibrillation episodes.

Start with these strategies. Managing your emotional and physical stress is important for atrial fibrillation management. To diffuse stress and prevent Afib episodes, focus on getting daily exercise, seeking support from friends, and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.

Don't skimp on sleep, and take time to enjoy life. Avoid becoming dehydrated and experiencing an electrolyte imbalance that results from a lack of fluids.

Drink plenty of water each day to prevent atrial fibrillation episodes and increase your fluid intake if you're sweating more than usual or going through a bout of diarrhea, vomiting, excessive urination, or fever.

To keep blood pressure levels steady, avoid the use of stimulant drugs from over-the-counter medications that contain amphetamines to illegal drugs like cocaine and restrict the salt in your diet.