AFib Episode: How to stop An AFib Episode

Over 1 million people in the UK suffer from atrial fibrillation (AFib), making it the most prevalent form of arrhythmia (Ref. Link). While AFib typically affects the elderly it can happen to anyone at any time. It’s crucial to recognise the early warning signs of atrial fibrillation, so you can get help and stop AFib episodes before serious complications, like a stroke or heart failure, develop.

What is an AFib Episode?

The abnormal fibrillating atrial rhythm occurs in the atrial muscle of the heart. Poor blood flow is a common complication of atrial fibrillation, which occurs when the heart beats irregularly and is out of rhythm in the lower chamber. Atrial fibrillation episodes can be intermittent or persistent. Having AFib increases your chances of experiencing several negative outcomes, including the need for hospitalisation, a stroke, heart failure, and cognitive loss as you get older.

How Can You Stop an AFib Episode?

Mindful Breathing

One of the simplest and finest things you can do to reduce your heart rate is to spend a few minutes breathing deeply and purposefully. Find a peaceful, distraction-free spot, close your eyes, and concentrate on breathing. Pay attention to the movement of your diaphragm as you breathe in and out.

Yoga

Yoga’s calming effects could be especially useful during an irregular heartbeat episode (AFib). Yoga may help lessen the frequency of episodes even if it cannot halt an episode that has already begun.

A study in 2015 found that antiarrhythmic medicine and yoga instruction were found to reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and symptomatic episodes of AFib (Ref Link). 

Washing Your Face With Cold Water

Cold water therapy is an effective way to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and activate the vagus nerves. Submerging your head and neck in cold water, often known as the “divers reflex,” might produce muscle spasms that activate the vagus nerve and reduce your heart rate during an atrial fibrillation (AFib) episode. For the same effect, you can either take a cold shower or hold a bag of ice against your face for fifteen seconds. The vagus nerve is stimulated by extremely cold water or ice.

Exercise

Aerobic exercise has been observed to assist many patients in recovering from an episode of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Many patients have stated that jogging or biking has enabled them to return to a more regular heart rhythm. However, this varies depending on severity of one’s symptoms and other medical comorbidities.

Adding to Your Medicines

An active episode of atrial fibrillation can sometimes be terminated by taking a double or triple dose of the patient’s regular anti-AFib medication. Beta-blockers and antiarrhythmics are two of the best medications to stop AFib episodes. Warning: This method should be used only after consulting your doctor.

As a complex heart illness, atrial fibrillation has the potential to be frightening, puzzling, and overwhelming. Know that you are not alone in dealing with Afib, whether you have just been diagnosed or have lived with it for years. Millions are using new practices to live well with Afib. That’s why it’s crucial to consult your doctor and find out about local support groups and other resources to stop AFib episodes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can anxiety lead to atrial fibrillation?

The exact mechanisms between atrial fibrillation and nervousness are still unknown. That being said, significant research links anxiety to Afib. Concern about one’s mental health has been linked to a 48% increase in the probability of dying from heart failure.

How common is atrial fibrillation?

Older people tend to have higher rates of Afib than younger people. It has been diagnosed in more than 33 million people worldwide who are 55 and older. By 2030, it is expected that 12 million Americans will have Afib. Afib is responsible for roughly 500,000 annual hospitalisations and an increasing number of deaths in the United States.

How can You test for Afib at home?

If you suspect that you have Afib it’s crucial to talk to your doctor about your symptoms as soon as possible. If your heart rate seems irregular or weak, you may be experiencing atrial fibrillation (Afib). You may also feel exhausted or short of breath. It could be difficult to determine whether or not your symptoms are due to atrial fibrillation. This is why contacting your service provider is mandatory.

Can I live a long life with AFib?

Those with AFib can enjoy long, healthy, and productive lives. Improving long-term AFib care requires identifying and addressing potential causes, as well as controlling risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Your doctor will be able to aid you in maintaining a healthy lifestyle for the rest of your life.

Other Heart Health Topics To Explore:

Yoga for Healthy Heart | Heart Palpitations After Eating | Stretching Exercise for Heart Health | Atrial Fibrillation Risk Factors | Silent Heart Attack | Meditation and Heart Health | Heart Stress Test | Heart Attack Symptoms | Heart Rate Monitor | Low Heart Rate

Frontier X2:

Smart Heart ECG Monitor in USA | ECG Machine Price in India | Best Heart Rate Monitor UK