What Could Be Causing Afib in Your Aging Relative?
Atrial fibrillation, or Afib, is a condition in which the heart beats too rapidly or in an irregular pattern. Having Afib increases your older family member’s chances of developing a heart condition, such as stroke or heart failure. It can be caused by many different things, including some underlying conditions that may be treatable.
Afib Basics
Homecare Great Falls VA – What Could Be Causing Afib in Your Aging Relative?To understand Afib, it’s necessary to know a little about how the heart works. The heart is made up of four chambers, two upper chambers called atria and two lower chambers called ventricles. The right atrium contains a structure called the sinus node. The sinus node is a cluster of cells that sends out the signal that makes a heartbeat start. It’s the natural form of a pacemaker. When the sinus node sends out a signal it goes from the atria through to the ventricles, causing the heart to squeeze and send blood out.
When a person has Afib, the signal doesn’t work the way it should. They aren’t sent out in a rhythmic pattern. Instead, they are chaotic and make the heart quiver instead of producing a regular heartbeat. The ventricles often beat rapidly, but still not as quickly as the atria because they don’t receive all the signals the sinus node is sending out.
Sometimes the erratic heartbeats don’t cause any noticeable symptoms but may be noticed when a doctor performs an exam for something else. When there are symptoms, they may include:
- Heart palpitations that might feel like the heart is racing, skipping a beat, or flip-flopping in the chest.
- Feeling weak.
- Fatigue.
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
- Chest pain.
- Being short of breath.
Causes of Afib
Afib is usually caused by damage to the heart or an abnormality in the structure. Some things that can lead to Afib are:
- Hypertension.
- Heart attack.
- Congenital heart defects.
- Hyperthyroidism.
- Heart surgery.
- Viral infections.
- Sleep apnea.
Though most cases are caused by heart damage, not all cases of Afib are. Some people have what is called lone atrial fibrillation. In these people, there’s not usually an identifiable cause. Most people with lone Afib don’t suffer any serious complications.
If your aging relative has Afib, a homecare provider can help them to manage the condition. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic recommends making some lifestyle changes, which homecare providers can help them with. Homecare providers can prepare meals that fit into a heart healthy way of eating. A homecare provider can also assist the older adult to exercise regularly by taking walks with them or driving them to an exercise class.
Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atrial-fibrillation/symptoms-causes/syc-20350624
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation/causes-risks-triggers-afib#1
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/why-atrial-fibrillation-af-or-afib-matters
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atrial-fibrillation/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350630