AFib, or atrial fibrillation, is a type of irregular heartbeat that can cause serious health complications if left untreated. It is important to understand what can and cannot be done to stop AFib from progressing.
Medications
Medications are often prescribed to help reduce the risk of developing AFib or to reduce the severity of symptoms once the condition has been diagnosed. Common medications used to manage AFib include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and anticoagulants.
Beta-blockers[B/] are a type of medication that works to slow down the heart rate and reduce the risk of developing AFib. Calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem, work to relax the heart muscles and reduce the risk of developing AFib. Anticoagulants, such as warfarin and heparin, are used to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the heart, which can be a complication of AFib.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to stop AFib from progressing. There are several types of surgical procedures that may be used, depending on the specific cause of the irregular heartbeat.
One type of surgery is called a maze procedure, which involves making small incisions in the heart to create a maze-like pattern to help regulate the heartbeat. Another type of surgery is called catheter ablation, which involves inserting a catheter into the heart and using radiofrequency energy to destroy abnormal heart tissue that is causing the irregular heartbeat.
Lifestyle Modifications
Making lifestyle modifications can also help to reduce the severity of AFib or prevent the condition from progressing. These modifications include avoiding alcohol and quitting smoking, getting regular exercise, and reducing stress. Eating a healthy diet, avoiding certain foods that can trigger AFib, and managing underlying conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can also help reduce the risk of AFib progression.
Making lifestyle changes can be difficult, but they are important for reducing the risk of developing AFib or reducing the severity of symptoms once the condition has been diagnosed. Talk to your doctor for more information on how to make lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of AFib progression.