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Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a common kind of irregular heartbeat that affects millions of people in the United States. If left untreated, AFib can lead to stroke, so it’s important to understand your symptoms and when you should talk to your doctor.
Here, you can learn about:
- The signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation
- How stress affects your heart
- Why regular check-ups are good for your heart health
- When heart palpitations are normal, and when to talk to your doctor
- What to expect if you need an EKG
- The many causes of chest pain
- Heart problems in women
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string(4376) "Feel your heartbeat. Is it fast? This is normal if you've been exercising, or if you're worried or scared. But sometimes a fast heartbeat can be a sign of atrial fibrillation, or AFib, a common condition that is important to treat. If left untreated, this heart condition can lead to a stroke. Fortunately, AFib is highly treatable, and your doctor can advise you on how to manage your condition and help you to lead an otherwise normal, healthy life. So, what should you know about AFib?
Find out if you're at risk or if the warning signs and symptoms apply to you.
What Is Atrial fibrillation (AFib)?
Your heart has an electrical system that keeps the top chambers (the atria) beating in time with the bottom chambers (the ventricles). When the electrical signals are normal, you have a normal, steady heartbeat.
AFib happens when the electrical system sends out uneven signals that make the atria quiver, or fibrillate, instead of beating normally. This throws off the heart's rhythm and can cause a fast or irregular heartbeat. Other symptoms can include:
Who gets AFib?
Millions of people in the United States have AFib, and common risk factors include:
- Age. It is very common in people 60 and older, and the older you get, the more you are at risk.
- Lifestyle. What you eat, how active you are, if you smoke, if you drink heavily, how you sleep, and how you manage stress all play a part.
- Health conditions. High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and other heart problems can raise your risk.
Is AFib Dangerous?
If you have symptoms of AFib, talk to your doctor right away. While it's unusual for AFib to be life-threatening on its own, it can lead to very serious, even deadly, conditions like stroke. People with AFib have a higher risk of stroke because their hearts don't pump blood properly. This can make blood pool or clot, and if a clot moves from your heart to your brain, a stroke can happen.
People with AFib are also more likely to develop other heart problems, or obesity. It's important to understand your risks and to talk with your doctor about how to lower them.
How Is AFib Treated?
Your doctor will suggest a treatment plan that fits your needs. This may include:
- Changes to your lifestyle. A heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, lowering your alcohol intake, and finding ways to handle stress are important.
- Medicines. Your doctor might have you take medicines that lower your risk of blood clots, that help your heart beat slower, or that get your heart back to a normal rhythm.
- Devices. Some people need pacemakers and defibrillators, which are small devices that are placed inside your body and help control your heart beat.
- Surgery or other medical procedures. There are surgeries and other medical procedures that can treat AFib, and your doctor will let you know if one is right for you.
Remember, if you think you have AFib, it's important to talk to your doctor right away. The sooner you're diagnosed, the sooner you can get treatment and begin lowering your risk of stroke.
Visit the
UPMC Center for Atrial Fibrillation online or call 1-844-HVI-AFIB (484-2342) to schedule an appointment or learn more.
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string(392) "Millions of people in the United States have atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart condition caused by uneven electrical signals in your heart. If left untreated, the condition can lead to a stroke, so it’s essential to talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms. To safeguard your health, read more to learn about the common risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options for AFib."
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Millions of people in the United States have atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart condition caused by uneven electrical signals in your heart. If left untreated, the condition can lead to a stroke, so it’s essential to talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms. To safeguard your health, read more to learn about the common risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options for AFib.Watch Now
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string(1216) "Does your heart flutter sometimes? Do you always feel really tired? Most people have had heart palpitations, been lightheaded, or felt short of breath at one time or another. Sometimes, a little chest discomfort is nothing to worry about — but sometimes, these symptoms can be signs of serious, life-threatening heart problems. Learn about the signs and symptoms of six major heart problems below, so that you can stop them in time.
For more information on Atrial Fibrillation visit our Medical Monday page. And you can learn more about your risk factors for heart issues by visiting a free heart screening.
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string(309) "Most people have had heart palpitations, been lightheaded, or felt short of breath at one time or another. Sometimes, this is nothing to worry about—but sometimes, these symptoms can be signs of serious, life-threatening heart problems. Learn about the signs and symptoms of six major heart problems below. "
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Most people have had heart palpitations, been lightheaded, or felt short of breath at one time or another. Sometimes, this is nothing to worry about—but sometimes, these symptoms can be signs of serious, life-threatening heart problems. Learn about the signs and symptoms of six major heart problems below.View Infographic
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string(4471) "The effects of stress can have a direct impact on the body that manifests in ways much more severe than a set of chewed fingernails. Everyday stress – like sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, cramming for a final exam, or building up a never ending to-do list -- can affect your body in different ways. Some people may develop headaches, stomachaches, backaches, or ulcers. Meanwhile others can even have flare-ups of IBS or asthma symptoms. The overall effects of stress can yield short-term and long-term health problems, depending on how much and how long a period of time a person is stressed.
Stress can also contribute to factors that increase your risk of heart disease, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. When you are stressed, your body releases adrenaline, a hormone that temporarily causes your heart rate to speed up and your blood pressure to rise. High blood pressure can cause damage to artery walls, creating blood clots and increasing your risk of heart attack.
Some people manage their stress with harmful habits that can lead to poor heart health. Smoking cigarettes can lead to coronary heart disease (plaque built up in coronary arteries), arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), and heart failure, among other damaging conditions. Drinking too much alcohol increases your risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Binge eating and/or an unhealthy diet increases your risk of obesity and high cholesterol.
By managing the pressure of everyday life in a healthy way, you can help eliminate these heart health risks. The American Heart Association recommends four ways to safely deal with stress:
- Positive Self-Talk. Try turning your negative thoughts and feelings into positive ones. For example, instead of thinking or saying, "I can't do this," try "I'll do the best I can." By being positive about stressful situations, you can calm yourself down and control stress.
- Emergency Stress Stoppers. These quick tips help you deal with stress on the spot. Examples of emergency stress stoppers include:
- Counting to 10 before speaking
- Taking three to five deep breaths
- Walking away from stressful situations
- Breaking down big problems into smaller, more manageable problems
- Finding Pleasure. If stress is making you feel bad, do something that makes you feel good. Enjoying your favorite activity or trying something new for as little as 15 minutes a day can greatly lower your stress levels.
- Daily Relaxation. Relaxation should calm the tension in your mind and body. Some examples of good relaxation techniques include yoga, tai chi, meditation, and deep breathing.
Have you dealt with stress on a regular basis? Contact
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute for help.
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string(433) "Everyday stress – like sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, cramming for a final exam, or building up a never ending to-do list — can affect your body in different ways. Some people may develop headaches, stomachaches, backaches, or ulcers, while some can even have flare-ups of IBS or asthma symptoms. Unfortunately, stress is also linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Read more to find ways to safely deal with stress."
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Everyday stress – like sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, cramming for a final exam, or building up a never ending to-do list — can affect your body in different ways. Some people may develop headaches, stomachaches, backaches, or ulcers, while some can even have flare-ups of IBS or asthma symptoms. Unfortunately, stress is also linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Read more to find ways to safely deal with stress.Read More
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string(4000) "Between work or school, caring for loved ones, and maybe having some personal time of your own, you may think it's impossible to squeeze another appointment into your already jam-packed schedule. You might not even be thinking about heart checkups, but making time to have at least an annual exam is crucial for living a healthy life, even if you do not currently have any vascular conditions. Some heart conditions – and their risk factors, like high cholesterol – may go undetected if regular checkups and health screenings aren't a part of your routine.
The best way to prevent cardiovascular disease is to detect and manage major risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high total cholesterol, and high blood glucose. By performing yearly heart screenings, your doctor can test for these risk factors and prescribe the best treatment options – whether it's lifestyle changes, medications, or referring your to a cardiologist.
So, what can you expect at your checkup? Your doctor will carry out several tests to determine if you are at risk for heart disease, including the following:
Blood Pressure Test
The only way to detect high blood pressure is by having a blood pressure test. High blood pressure can cause severe damage to your arteries and create blood clots, increasing your risk of heart attack and heart failure. A blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg or lower is ideal, and your doctor may want to check your blood pressure more frequently if your number is higher or if you are over the age of 65.
Cholesterol Test
Starting at age 20, you should have your cholesterol checked every 4-5 years. High cholesterol shows no symptoms, and people with high cholesterol have no idea of their risk until they are tested. A fasting lipoprotein profile is a blood test that shows total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good" cholesterol," and triglycerides (another form of fat in blood). An ideal total cholesterol level is less than 200 mg/dL, and your doctor can work with you to lower your LDL cholesterol.
Blood Glucose Test
Measuring the amount of glucose, or sugar, in your blood helps your doctor determine your risk of developing insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, or Type 2 diabetes. Untreated diabetes can cause heart disease and stroke, among other medical complications. Obesity increases your chances of having high blood glucose.
In addition to these tests, your doctor will need to know your body weight, your daily diet, your exercise routine, and your smoking habits. High BMI (body mass index), a poor diet, minimal exercise, and smoking all greatly increase your risk of heart disease, especially when paired with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood glucose. Also if you have a pre-existing cardiovascular condition, have suffered a heart attack or stroke, or have diabetes, your doctor will want you to have more frequent exams.
Taking care of your heart should be a priority and getting regular checkups is the best way to ensure you're keeping your heart healthy.
To learn more about keeping your heart healthy, visit the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute online or call 1-855-UPMC-HVI (876-2484) to schedule an appointment.
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Even if you don’t currently have a vascular condition, getting a heart screening is still an important part of a healthy lifestyle. The best way to prevent heart disease is to detect and manage major risk factors, like high blood pressure, high total cholesterol, and high blood glucose. Read more to learn about various tests to expect at a heart checkup and the importance of keeping an eye on your heart.Read More
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string(3233) "What Are Heart Palpitations?
Have you ever felt like your heart was fluttering, skipping a beat, or pounding just a little too hard? Does it sometimes happen after one too many cups of coffee or if you're feeling stressed over work or school? This uncomfortable and often unnerving sensation is called a heart palpitation and can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck.
Heart Palpitation Causes
Heart palpitations are usually nothing serious to worry about and will resolve on their own. Some causes of heart palpitations include:
However, it is important to understand that heart palpitations can be caused by serious health problems, like an
arrhythmia (an abnormal heart rhythm). You might also experience palpitations for the following reasons:
When Should You Contact Your Doctor About Heart Palpitations?
It is always best to consult your doctor if you are having heart palpitations for the first time or if you notice a sudden increase or change in them. Also, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms along with your heart palpitations, you should seek medical attention immediately:
- Loss of consciousness
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual sweating
- Dizziness or light-headedness
If it has been confirmed by your doctor that your heart palpitations are not caused by a serious issue, there are ways you can help prevent them from home. Try getting regular exercise, reducing your caffeine intake, or practicing deep relaxation techniques.
If you have had heart palpitations and are unsure of the source, it couldn't hurt to visit your doctor to be sure they are not part of a larger health problem. Visit the
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute online or call
1-855-UPMC-HVI (876-2484) to schedule an appointment to learn more.
Learn more about your heart health by attending a
free community heart screening.
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string(454) "If you’ve ever felt like your heart was skipping a beat or pounding out of your chest, you know how unnerving it is. Although they are usually nothing serious and will resolve on their own, they can also be caused by serious health problems. For this reason, it is best to contact your doctor if you experience a new heart palpitation. Read more to discover additional symptoms you should watch for and various ways to prevent non-serious palpitations."
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If you’ve ever felt like your heart was skipping a beat or pounding out of your chest, you know how unnerving it is. Although they are usually nothing serious and will resolve on their own, they can also be caused by serious health problems. For this reason, it is best to contact your doctor if you experience a new heart palpitation. Read more to discover additional symptoms you should watch for and various ways to prevent non-serious palpitations.Read More
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string(2668) "An electrocardiogram or EKG is a heart test that makes a recording of the electrical activity of your heart. This electrical activity helps set your heart's rate and rhythm. It can help doctors see if you have heart muscle damage or electrical problems in the heart.
Why is an Electrocardiogram Performed?
The test is used to measure:
- Any damage to the heart
- How fast your heart is beating and whether it is beating normally
- The size and position of your heart chambers
- The effects of drugs or devices used to control the heart such as a pacemaker
It is usually the first test done to determine if a person has
heart disease. Your doctor may order this test if:
- You have chest pain or palpitations
- You are scheduled for surgery
- You have had heart problems in the past
- You have a family history of heart disease
How to prepare for an EKG
Make sure your doctor knows about any medications you are taking, as some can interfere with the test results.
The day of your test, do not put any lotions, oils, or powders on your chest. You will be asked to remove any clothing above the waist and given a hospital gown to wear. Some male patients may need to have small areas of their chest shaved because hair on the chest will not allow the electrodes to stick to the skin
How is an electrocardiogram performed?
- During the test, you will lie down then several sticky patches called electrodes will be placed on your arms, chest, and legs to check the heart rate, rhythm, and electrical activity of your heart
- The electrodes will be connected to a machine that will record the electrical activity of your heart
- You will be asked to relax, lie still and breathe normally while the electrodes record information onto a moving strip of paper
- The test is painless, no electricity is sent through the body
- The test only takes a few minutes
After the Electrocardiogram
After your EKG, you may go on with your usual activities. Call your doctor's office two to three working days after your test and your doctor will go over your test results with you. Visit
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute's treatment page for more information."
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An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a heart test used to help doctors evaluate your heart health. By making a recording of the electrical activity of your heart, your doctor can see if you have muscle damage or electrical problems, therefore allowing proper treatment. Read more to learn what to do to prepare for your exam, what to expect, and how to proceed afterward.Read More
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string(3894) "Chest pain can be caused by many different conditions. In some cases, chest pain can be a sign of a life-threatening heart condition. In other cases, chest pain may actually stem from an issue with other organs, such as your lungs.
Chest pain may even result from a cracked rib; however, even the most minor twinge of chest pain should always be checked to be sure it's not the sign of a major health condition. It's important to understand your symptoms and know when to call your doctor or when to get help right away.
How Does Chest Pain Feel?
Chest pain can feel different to everyone and might be described as sharp, dull, aching, crushing, or burning.
It can range from very mild to severe, can come and go, and can be worse during or after activity. Chest pain may also spread from your chest to your neck, jaw, arms, shoulders, or back.
If you've been having recurring chest pains, visit the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute online or call 1-855-UPMC-HVI (876-2484)
What Causes Chest Pain?
Chest pain is a common symptom of many heart problems, including:
- Coronary artery disease, which happens when cholesterol builds up on the walls of your arteries. This can make your arteries narrow, or even block them completely, raising your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
- Heart attack, which happens when blood flow to your heart is blocked and its cells can't get the blood and oxygen they need to pump. Chest pain is a very common symptom; if you think you or someone else is having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 right away.
- Heart rhythm problems, where your heart beats too fast, too slow, or in an irregular way.
- Heart valve problems, which can happen when your valves become narrow or leak.
- Aortic dissection, a potentially life-threatening condition that happens when the wall of your aorta tears. Sudden, sharp chest pain is a very common symptom of this condition; if you or someone else has symptoms of aortic dissection, call 9-1-1 right away.
Talking to Your Doctor About Your Chest Pain
In some cases, chest pain is caused by an illness or injury that has nothing to do with your heart. For example, you can have chest pain if you have pneumonia, indigestion, or a broken rib.
Because chest pain is commonly linked to heart problems, it's important to talk to your doctor about any chest pain you feel, even if it's very mild. Your doctor can determine the best way to treat your chest pain based on your needs.
If you've been having recurring chest pains, visit the
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute online or call
1-855-UPMC-HVI (876-2484) to schedule an appointment with an expert. Visit a free
heart screening to learn more about your heart health.
"
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string(35) "Chest Pain: Why Does My Heart Hurt?"
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string(147) "What should you do if your heart hurts? Chest pain can be caused by many different conditions, and it's important to find out what's causing yours."
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string(368) "Pain in your chest does not necessarily point to a heart problem. It may stem from anything from a cracked rib to an issue with an entirely different organ. However, even the most minor twinge of chest pain should be checked to ensure it’s not the sign of a major health condition. Read more to discover what causes chest pain and how to discuss it with your doctor."
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Pain in your chest does not necessarily point to a heart problem. It may stem from anything from a cracked rib to an issue with an entirely different organ. However, even the most minor twinge of chest pain should be checked to ensure it’s not the sign of a major health condition. Read more to discover what causes chest pain and how to discuss it with your doctor.Watch Now
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string(4095) "Do women have heart problems? While the symptoms might be different than they are for men, the answer is "yes."
Coronary heart disease is the number one killer of women, affecting one out of every three women each year. While the risk of heart disease increases with age and menopause, younger women are at risk for heart disease, too. By learning some basic facts about symptoms, you can talk with your doctor about whether you're at risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease in Women
Women are busy juggling tasks at work and at home. It's easy for women to care for others, but what about caring for yourself? Do you ignore how you feel because you're too busy, or because you think there's nothing to it?
You might think you're feeling tired because you're getting older. Or if you're pregnant, you guess that's why you're feeling light-headed. You've had a dry cough for a few months, but isn't it just a cold? Maybe, but maybe not. It's a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fluttering in the chest (also called heart palpitations)
- Fatigue, or feeling very tired
- Coughing, especially a dry cough
- Anxiety
- Swelling of your feet or ankles
- Fast weight gain
And, it's very important to know that
heart attack symptoms can be different for women than they are for men. Women don't always have the classic symptoms like chest pain, arm pain, and shortness of breath. Your symptoms might be less dramatic and can include:
- Pressure or pain in the chest that comes and goes
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Pain in the jaw, arm, or back
If you think you or someone else is having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 right away. Early treatment can save your life.
Common Heart Problems
Both men and women are affected by:
- Coronary artery disease - Happens when the blood vessels that bring blood and nutrients to the heart and blocked
- Valve problems - Happen when the valves don't open or close properly
- Arrhythmia - Happens when your heart beats too fast, too slow, or in an irregular way
- Heart failure - Happens when your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs
Get Checked or Screened
By having a checkup, you can get facts about your symptoms, your risks, and your treatment options.
Visit the
UPMC Women's Heart Program or call
1-855-UPMC-HVI (1-855-876-2484) to learn more or request an appointment. You can also gain insight into your risk factors by visiting a
free heart screening."
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string(39) "Women and Heart Disease: Know the Signs"
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string(153) "Did you know symptoms of a heart attack are different for women? Discover which conditions women are more susceptible to, and learn about eary detection."
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string(352) "One out of three women is affected by coronary heart disease every year, making it the number one killer of women. While the risk of heart disease increases with age and menopause, younger women are also at risk for heart disease, too. Read more to discover the signs and symptoms so you can be better prepared to talk with your doctor about your risk."
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One out of three women is affected by coronary heart disease every year, making it the number one killer of women. While the risk of heart disease increases with age and menopause, younger women are also at risk for heart disease, too. Read more to discover the signs and symptoms so you can be better prepared to talk with your doctor about your risk.Watch Now
