effect of altitude on atrial flutter vs fibrillation

Some prescription medicines and certain cough and cold remedies bought without a prescription can cause irregular heartbeats. You may be more likely to get AFib if you have diabetes, chronic kidney disease, lung disease or sleep apnea. People who have obesity are at higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation. This can change how heartbeat signals travel through the heart. Over time, high blood pressure may cause part of the heart to become stiff and thick. Having high blood pressure increases the risk of getting coronary artery disease. A history of heart attack or heart surgery also makes a person more likely to get the condition. Coronary artery disease, heart valve disease and heart problems present at birth increase the risk of AFib. An increased risk of atrial fibrillation occurs in some families. If these substances are too low or too high, irregular heartbeats may occur. Minerals in the blood called electrolytes - such as potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium - help the heart beat. Changes in the level of body minerals.This can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. Drinking too much alcohol can affect the electrical signals in the heart. Use of these substances may lead to the development of more-serious arrhythmias. Caffeine, nicotine and some illegal drugs - such as amphetamines and cocaine - can cause your heart to beat faster. Caffeine, nicotine or illegal drug use.The risk of AFib increases as you grow older. Things that can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) include: Taking medicines that contain stimulants, including cold and allergy medicines bought without a prescription.Lifestyle habits that can trigger an AFib episode may include: Some people who have atrial fibrillation have no known heart disease or heart damage. Heart surgery or stress due to surgery or sickness may also cause AFib. Thyroid disease such as an overactive thyroid.Narrowed or blocked arteries, called coronary artery disease.A sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea.A problem with the heart's natural pacemaker, called sick sinus syndrome.A heart problem you're born with, called a congenital heart defect.Heart diseases and health problems that can cause AFib include: Problems with the heart's structure are the most common cause of atrial fibrillation (AFib). In people with AFib, the heart rate may range from 100 to 175 beats a minute. This causes a fast and irregular heart rhythm. The AV node is flooded with signals trying to get through to the lower heart chambers. As a result, the upper chambers tremble or shake. The resting heart rate is typically 60 to 100 beats a minute.īut in atrial fibrillation, the signals in the upper chambers of the heart are chaotic. In a healthy heart, this signaling process usually goes smoothly. The signals then go to the lower heart chambers. Next, the signals arrive at a group of cells called the AV node, where they usually slow down. The signals move across the upper heart chambers. The sinus node makes the signals that starts each heartbeat.

Inside the upper right heart chamber is a group of cells called the sinus node.

The two lower chambers are called the ventricles.

The two upper chambers are called the atria.

To understand the causes of atrial fibrillation (AFib), it may be helpful to know how the heart typically beats. Chest pain could mean that you're having a heart attack.

If you have chest pain, seek immediate medical help. You may be referred to a doctor trained in heart diseases, called a cardiologist. If you have symptoms of atrial fibrillation, make an appointment for a health checkup. Medicines are needed to control the heart rate and to prevent blood clots. In this type of atrial fibrillation, the irregular heart rhythm can't be reset.

Medicines or a procedure are needed to correct the irregular heartbeat. This type of AFib is constant and lasts longer than 12 months. If symptoms occur, medical treatment is needed to correct the heart rhythm. The heart rhythm does not reset on its own. Some people with occasional AFib need treatment. Some people have symptoms for as long as a week. The symptoms usually last for a few minutes to hours. Occasional, also called paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.Some people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) don't notice any symptoms. Feelings of a fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeat, called palpitations.

Effect of altitude on atrial flutter vs fibrillation