8 Myths About Atrial Fibrillation
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
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Misconceptions Persist About Atrial FibrillationAtrial fibrillation – or afib – is an irregular, rapid heartbeat and is the most common heart arrhythmia. It's the result of a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system. Despite it being a common condition, many misconceptions exist. Here are the myths and facts you should know about afib.
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Myth 1: Only older people get atrial fibrillation.You certainly don't have to be “old” to have an irregular heartbeat. In fact, you can have afib at any age. But it is true that the likelihood of developing afib increases as you age. Of the more than 2.5 million Americans with afib, about half the men are 67 or older, and half the women are 75 or older. But no matter what your age, having heart disease, lung disease, or hypertension increases your risk of also having afib.
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Myth 2: You will feel it if you have afib.The truth is maybe, maybe not. Many people with afib feel palpitations, or what they describe as a sudden fluttering in the chest. People with afib can also get dizzy or lightheaded, or feel suddenly fatigued or short-of-breath. But it is possible to have afib and not have any clear signs. In this case, you wouldn’t know you have it until your doctor discovers it during an exam or test for another reason.
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Myth 3: One or two episodes are nothing to worry about.The underlying cause of atrial fibrillation doesn’t go away without treatment — it lasts a lifetime. But your symptoms can come and go. These sporadic episodes are called paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Symptoms with paroxysmal afib vary too, from mild to severe, but they seldom last longer than a day. So don’t ignore symptoms, even if they’re infrequent. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
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Myth 4: People with afib should not exercise.People with afib may steer clear of the gym because they fear exercise will make their heart rate skyrocket. But exercise is vital, even for those with afib. It helps you sleep better, maintain a healthy weight, and manage stress. But use caution. First, treat your afib and get it under control. Then, talk to your doctor about which exercises are safest for you. And if you're taking blood thinners, avoid activities where injury is likely.
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Myth 5: You can stop taking afib meds between flare-ups.You feel fine and have no symptoms, so can you stop taking your afib medications? It's actually quite risky. One key job of afib medications is to help prevent and treat blood clots, which can lead to a stroke. So talk to your doctor if you're having problems with your medications or if you’re wondering if you still need them. Don’t just stop taking your pills unless your doctor has told you to do so. It's too dangerous.
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Myth 6: Atrial fibrillation is life threatening.It can be terribly frightening when your heart beats in a chaotic fashion. The good news is that afib usually isn’t a fatal condition. However, left untreated, afib can lead to heart failure or a stroke, which could be deadly. That's why you need to work closely with your doctor to get your afib under control and keep it that way. When it’s controlled, afib should not have much effect on your quality of life.
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Myth 7: I don’t need to change my lifestyle habits.An occasional alcoholic drink is probably fine. But consuming alcohol increases your risk for afib. Lighting up is also linked to atrial fibrillation, among other health problems. Even excess caffeine may cause your heart to flutter rapidly. Talk to your doctor about making healthy lifestyle choices that can lower your risk and prevent episodes of rapid heartbeat.
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Myth 8: If a catheter ablation doesn’t work the first time, it will never work.A catheter ablation is one way to treat atrial fibrillation. During the procedure, a doctor inserts a catheter in your arm or groin and threads it up into your heart. Then, the doctor applies heat through the catheter to destroy the tissue that's causing afib. Sometimes, an ablation doesn't fully correct the problem the first time, and you may need to repeat it. Find out about your doctor’s success rate if you’re considering a catheter ablation.
8 Myths About Atrial Fibrillation