Those who do have atrial fibrillation symptoms may have signs and symptoms such as:

• Sensations of a fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
• Chest pain.
• Dizziness.
• Fatigue.
• Lightheadedness.
• Reduced ability to exercise.
• Shortness of breath.
• Weakness.

Sep 18, 2021

Symptoms of AFIB in the elderly

• Sometimes people with AFib have no symptoms and their condition is only detectable upon physical examination. Still, others may experience one or more of the following symptoms: General fatigue. Rapid and irregular heartbeat. Fluttering or “thumping” in the chest. Dizziness. Shortness of breath and anxiety. Weakness.

Only 2 percent of people younger than 65 have atrial fibrillation, while 9 percent of people ages 65 years or older have atrial fibrillation. Some patients don’t experience any symptoms while others can experience problems such as heart palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

How do you treat atrial fibrillation in the elderly?

In the elderly patients, especially the asymptomatic ones, rate control is the first-line therapy. 30 As shown in the AFFIRM substudy, β-blockers are the most effective at achieving that goal. 39 Nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (verapamil and diltiazem) can be administered as an alternative.

What can trigger atrial fibrillation?

Possible causes of atrial fibrillation High blood pressure. Heart attack. Coronary artery disease. Abnormal heart valves. Heart defects you’re born with (congenital) An overactive thyroid gland or other metabolic imbalance. Exposure to stimulants, such as medications, caffeine, tobacco or alcohol.

Can you live a long life with atrial fibrillation?

The good news is that although AF is a long -term condition, if managed correctly, you can continue to lead a long and active life . There are a number of steps you can take that will help you manage your condition, lower your risk of stroke and relieve any worries you may have.

How do you stop an AFib attack?

You may be able to keep your heart pumping smoothly for a long time if you: control your blood pressure. manage your cholesterol levels. eat a heart-healthy diet. exercise for 20 minutes most days of the week. quit smoking. maintain a healthy weight. get enough sleep. reduce stress in your life.

What causes AFib in the elderly?

What causes AFib ? AFib affects 9% of Americans aged 65+ and occurs when electrical signals in the upper chambers of your heart become chaotic— causing the upper chamber to quiver rather than pump, disrupting its ability to efficiently move blood through its chambers.

What would happen if AF was left untreated?

But if it’s left untreated , atrial fibrillation can be serious and even deadly. Serious complications include heart failure and stroke. Medications and lifestyle habits can both help prevent these in people with AFib. A stroke happens as a result of a blood clot in the brain.

Does laying down make AFib worse?

A: It is not uncommon for atrial fibrillation ( AFib ) to occur at night. The nerves that control the heart rate typically are in sleep mode, and resting heart rate drops. Under these conditions, pacemaker activity from areas other than the normal pacemaker in the heart can trigger the onset of AFib .

What does an AFib attack feel like?

When you have atrial fibrillation , you might notice a skipped heartbeat, and then feel a thud or thump, followed by your heart racing for an extended amount of time. Or you might feel heart palpitations or fluttering or jumping of your heart. Or you might experience sweating or chest pain, mimicking a heart attack .

What should you not do if you have atrial fibrillation?

Eat for AFib For breakfast, choose whole, high-fiber foods like fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables. Reduce your salt and sodium intake. Avoid eating too much meat or full-fat dairy, which contains a lot of saturated animal fats.

When should I be concerned about AFib?

A noticeable rapid or slow heartbeat, worse-than-normal tiredness or an inability to complete a regular exercise routine should lead to a referral to a cardiac specialist and treatment if AFib is diagnosed. Managing AFib is a journey, and no single approach works for everyone.

How can I naturally get rid of AFib?

Natural and Alternative Treatments for AFib Avoid stimulants. Get your nutrients. Stay hydrated. Supplements. Cut out gluten. Exercise and stress relief. Takeaway. Q&A.

Does rest help atrial fibrillation?

Although it may surprise you, for some people, getting good sleep can go a long way to lessen the AFib burden and reduce the number of atrial fibrillation flare ups you have.

How long do AFib attacks last?

1. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation can come on randomly and suddenly, with symptoms lasting hours or sometimes just minutes. It doesn’t last more than a week and the episodes usually end on their own.

What is the drug of choice for atrial fibrillation?

Drug choices for rate control include beta-blockers , verapamil and diltiazem, and digitalis as first-line agents, with consideration of other sympatholytics, amiodarone , or nonpharmacologic approaches in resistant cases.

Does a pacemaker help AFib?

Treatment Overview The pacemaker does not treat atrial fibrillation itself. The pacemaker is used to treat a slow heart rate (bradycardia) that happens in some people who have atrial fibrillation .