Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular heartbeat caused by abnormal electrical signals in the heart. It can cause symptoms such as a rapid or fluttering heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. AFib can be a chronic condition requiring long-term management or it can be treated and resolved.
The length of time it takes for AFib to go away varies greatly depending on the individual and the underlying cause of the condition. For some people, AFib may resolve on its own within a few minutes, weeks, or months. In other cases, the underlying cause may need to be treated before the AFib can be resolved.
If AFib is caused by a heart condition, such as an enlarged heart or a heart valve disorder, the underlying heart condition must be treated before the AFib can be resolved. Treatments for such conditions may include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery. Depending on the type of treatment and the severity of the condition, it can take several weeks to several months before the AFib is resolved.
In some cases, AFib can be caused by medications, alcohol, or an electrolyte imbalance. If these issues are the underlying cause of the AFib, then discontinuing or changing the medication or reducing alcohol intake, and correcting the electrolyte imbalance, may resolve the AFib within a few days or weeks.
For some people, AFib can be resolved with lifestyle changes alone. This may include reducing stress, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking. It can take several weeks to several months before the AFib is resolved with lifestyle changes.
In some cases, a procedure called cardioversion may be used to restore the normal rhythm of the heart. This procedure involves applying electrical shocks to the heart to reset its rhythm. It usually takes about one to two weeks for AFib to be resolved after the procedure.
Overall, the length of time it takes for AFib to go away depends on the underlying cause of the condition and the type of treatment used. In some cases, AFib can be resolved within a few minutes, weeks, or months. In other cases, it may take longer.