Imagine listening to music that’s out of rhythm. Instinctively, you know something’s wrong, even before you realize why.

Be it sound or movement, the flow of your breath or the spring in your step, the need to synchronize rhythm is inherent in our lives. So what happens when the rhythm of your own heart gets disturbed?

A disturbance in the pattern

A disruption in your heart’s rhythm or an irregular heartbeat is called Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). It begins in the upper atria and leads to a chaotic heart rhythm and poor movement of blood from your atria to the ventricles. The symptoms of atrial fibrillation include a pounding heartbeat called palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, light headedness, reduced physical ability, shortness of breath and general weakness. 

Atrial Fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications, and hence must be managed effectively.

Preventing AFib - A healthy lifestyle always helps

A healthy lifestyle goes a long way in preventing atrial fibrillation. This includes aiming for a healthy weight. Avoiding or limiting alcohol and other stimulants that may increase the heart rate can help. Smoking has also been proven to increase the risk of heart-related issues. So, cutting down on or quitting smoking can help keep your heart healthy.

A sedentary lifestyle invites a host of health issues. If your job requires you to be seated for most of the day, it is important that you consciously incorporate physical activity into your routine. Having a weekly workout schedule is ideal, but even simple exercises at your desk or movement around your office can help you stay fit.

And of course, the importance of nutrition can never be overstated. Making a meal plan that is healthy for the heart and includes green leafy vegetables, fruits, whole grains and protein-rich foods like nuts, soy, sprouts and fish, is a great way to keep your heart happy!

Living with AFib - A Hope for a Better Life

.Atrial Fibrillation, or AFib for short, is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. Unlike other types of arrhythmias, you may not always notice symptoms of AFib. Atr Atrial Fibrillation, or AFib for short, is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. Unlike other types of arrhythmias, you may not always notice symptoms of AFib. While irregularities in the heartbeat, dizziness, palpitations and shortness of breath are signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation, they could also be mistaken for fatigue or indicators of a different underlying health condition. This uncertainty makes it difficult for a person to gauge when they should be reaching out to their healthcare provider. This makes an accurate diagnosis eve more valuable.Health tech is helping to address these issues.

Advanced heart monitoring devices like insertable Cardiac Monitors keep you remotely connected with your healthcare provider at all times. Such a device is minimally invasive and sits just under the skin where it can monitor your heart movements continuously. It alerts you to any irregularities or fluctuations in your heartbeat, so you can take timely action, if and when needed. The information captured by such a device is of great value during consultations with a doctor— it can help to create a care plan that allows people with this cardiac condition to plan their day accordingly. This can enable them to do the activities they want to without worrying about their heart and thereby live a full life with their friends and family.

Restoring balance, returning to a state of equilibrium is a basic human pursuit, and a heart condition should not come in the way of it. Today’s fast paced world places stringent demands on our lives, calling for more mindful and conscious lifestyle choices. For someone with a condition like atrial fibrillation, this need becomes even more acute.

Fortunately, medical technology and heart monitoring devices have changed the way people affected by atrial fibrillation live. Continuous monitoring  and regular alerts sent by these devices can help make your life easier. Accurate  readings can potentially enable early diagnosis and timely treatment .  events. They can restore the rhythm of your heart and enable you to enjoy the sights and sounds of a good life.