Ways to stop an A-fib episode

Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is an irregular heartbeat. People with A-fib may have a rapid heart rate or feel a fluttering sensation in their chest. It can also cause fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

A-fib episodes can come on suddenly and are often alarming. They can last for a few hours, a few days, or be continually present. Sometimes, the episodes stop without intervention, but other times it is necessary to take action.

This article provides strategies to help stop an attack once it starts and suggests ways to prevent future A-fib episodes.

Fast facts on how to stop an A-fib episode:

·      The condition of atrial fibrillation, or irregular heartbeat, affects at least 2.7 million Americans, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

·      Slow and focused breathing can relax the heart and bring back a normal heartbeat.

·      Regular physical activity can play a role in the prevention of A-fib episodes.

What is atrial fibrillation?

A-fib is an irregular heartbeat.

It occurs when the atria of the heart (the upper chambers) quiver instead of beat as they should.

This may happen because some health problems, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), interfere with the electrical signals that control the heartbeat.

There are three types of A-fib:

·         Paroxysmal: Symptoms begin suddenly and can resolve within 7 days. Most commonly, they stop in less than a day.

·         Persistent: The abnormal heartbeat lasts for more than 7 days. Sometimes treatment is necessary.

·         Permanent: This type is continually present (for 12 months) and does not respond to treatment.

While A-fib itself is not usually life-threatening, people should take this medical condition seriously because it can lead to complications, such as heart failure and stroke. In fact, the AHA estimate that A-fib occurs in up to 1 in 5 people who have strokes.

Ways to stop an A-fib episode

There are several methods that may help stop an episode of paroxysmal or persistent A-fib once it starts.

These include:

1. Take slow, deep breaths

To practice deep breathing, sit down and place one hand on the stomach.

Inhale deeply through the nose, all the way into the stomach, for a count of 4 seconds.

Do this to slowly fill up the lungs with air gradually, until they are completely filled.

Hold this breath for a moment, before exhaling through the mouth for the same amount of time.

2. Drink cold water

Slowly drinking a glass of cold water can help steady the heart rate. This tip is especially useful for those whose A-fib episode has been brought on by dehydration.

3. Aerobic activity

Some people report feeling better after exercising. A 2002 case study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that a 45-year-old athlete with paroxysmal A-fib stopped symptoms by engaging in a low impact aerobic activity. In this case study, the athlete used an elliptical machine or a cross-country skiing machine.

People wishing to try this method of dealing with an A-fib attack should speak to their doctor first.

Source: Medical News Today