Atrial Arrhythmia

What causes atrial arrhythmia?

Atrial arrhythmias result from abnormal electrical signals. These signals, or impulses, start in the atria. The abnormal impulses can be inherited (passed down through families) or result from several health problems or heart conditions, including:

Anemia (low red blood cell count).

Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle.

Diabetes.

Heart attack or damage from a previous heart attack.

Heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure.

High blood pressure (hypertension).

Lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Structural heart problems, including valve disease.

Thyroid problems, including hyperthyroidism.

Atrial arrhythmias can also develop as a result of lifestyle factors:

Dehydration.

Drinks and foods that contain caffeine. Foods that are high in fat, sugar or carbohydrates can cause heart palpitations after eating.

Drug use, including nasal decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine.

Excessive alcohol.

Having extra weight and obesity.

High levels of anxiety and stress.

Hormonal changes, including those that happen during menopause or pregnancy. Heart palpitations during pregnancy are very common and usually harmless.

Smoking and using tobacco products.

What are the symptoms of atrial arrhythmia?

Symptoms of atrial arrhythmia include:

A heartbeat that’s fast and regular. It may feel like your heart is racing.

An irregular heartbeat. You may feel like it skipped a beat, stopped for a minute, sped up or slowed down.

Chest pain, discomfort or tightness in the chest.

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

Dizziness or confusion.

Fainting (syncope) or loss of consciousness.

Fatigue or feeling sluggish.

Fluttering or pounding in your chest, throat or neck (heart palpitations).

Swelling (edema) in your limbs, especially your legs, ankles and feet.

How are atrial arrhythmias diagnosed?

After asking about your symptoms and listening to your heart, your provider will recommend a blood test (complete blood count or CBC). A blood test looks for anemia, vitamin deficiencies or a problem with your thyroid.

Your provider will do a test called an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). This test monitors your heart rate using sensors that attach to your skin. You get this test in your provider’s office. It takes about 15 minutes.

If the EKG doesn’t detect an irregular heartbeat, your provider may recommend an ambulatory monitor such as a Holter monitor. This device is portable and you wear it for about a week. It records your heart rate and any irregular heartbeats.

How do providers treat atrial arrhythmias?

If you have an arrhythmia, you’ll see a heart specialist called a cardiologist. Your cardiologist will recommend treatment based on your overall health and the type of arrhythmia. Many arrhythmias get better with lifestyle and dietary changes, such as:

Avoiding alcohol, caffeine and some types of medications, such as cold medications and nasal decongestants that include pseudoephedrine.

Drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Getting help for anxiety and doing relaxation exercises and deep breathing to lower stress levels.

Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight if you are obese.

Quitting smoking and using tobacco products.

Some arrhythmias require treatments in addition to lifestyle changes. If you have more than one type of arrhythmia, you may need several treatments. Atrial arrhythmia treatments include:

Catheter ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that destroys a bit of the tissue on the inside of the heart that is sending irregular electrical signals and causing arrhythmia.

Devices, such as an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), subcutaneous ICD or pacemaker.

Electrical cardioversion, a procedure that delivers safe jolts of energy to your heart and disrupts the abnormal rhythm back to a normal rhythm.

Medications, including arrhythmia medications to make your heart rhythm regular or prevent heartbeat irregularities. Other drugs, such as blood thinners, reduce your risk of stroke from Afib.

How can I reduce my risk of atrial arrhythmia?

You may not be able to prevent atrial arrhythmia, but you can lower your risk by staying healthy and making smart choices. These include:

Following a diet that’s good for your heart.

Getting plenty of exercise and staying active.

Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight if you have obesity.

Lowering your blood pressure if you have hypertension.

Managing cholesterol

Talking to your provider about a plan to quit smoking and using tobacco.

If you have a heart condition or health problem that puts you at an increased risk, talk to your provider. They will give you specific information about other steps you can take to lower your chance of developing arrhythmia.

What can I expect if I have atrial arrhythmia?

The outlook for people with atrial arrhythmias depends on several factors, including the type of arrhythmia and your overall health. Many people relieve symptoms with lifestyle and dietary changes. Treatments for atrial arrhythmias can help you live a healthier life overall. See your provider regularly so they can monitor your heart health and work with you to feel your best.