Having an electrocardiogram (ECG) is the most simple and efficient way to detect it, but this measures only a snapshot of the heart's electrical activity. For some people, fibrillation occurs only occasionally, so it is useful to monitor your heart rate yourself by taking your pulse.
How do you measure your pulse?
Place three fingers resting on the extended wrist of the other hand, between the tendons of the thumb side of the wrist bone and apply gentle pressure. Then count the number of beats for 30 seconds and double it to get the number of beats per minute. The normal rate is between 50 and 100 beats per minute.
When do you need to contact your doctor?
• If your resting pulse rate is slower than 40 beats per minute or faster than 120 per minute.
• If your pulse is irregular: sometimes fast, sometimes slow.
• If your palpitations are accompanied by complaints like dizziness, breathing difficulties, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, unusual fatigue, etc.
What is atrial fibrillation?
The heart is a muscle that pulls together about 70 times per minute at rest, to pump blood around the body. The normal heart rhythm is regular and averages between 50 and 100 beats per minute. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart arrhythmia in which the heart goes crazy and starts beating irregularly. This increases the risk of heart failure and the formation of blood clots, which can cause a stroke or thrombosis.
What do you feel if you have atrial fibrillation?
Normally you do not feel your heart beating, unless you are tense or make a serious effort. At a moment of atrial fibrillation the heart is beating too fast and sometimes becoming irregular. This can cause palpitations, shortness of breath at rest or on exertion, dizziness, unusual tiredness, fainting or chest pain. With 1 in 3 people unfortunately there are no symptoms of fibrillation and is sometimes discovered too late. Atrial fibrillation can reduce your quality of life. Without proper treatment, there is an increased risk of heart failure and the risk of a thrombosis or stroke is five times as high. That is why it is so important to have it diagnosed early!
How likely is it that you have atrial fibrillation?
Anyone can develop atrial fibrillation, but there are several risk factors that can hasten its occurrence.
• You are older than 40 years.
• You have high blood pressure or take medication for your blood pressure.
• You have diabetes.
• You already had a thrombosis or a stroke.
• You have had a heart attack or have heart failure.
• You suffer from sleep apnea.
• You are overweight.
• Your thyroid is working too fast.
• Your alcohol consumption is above average.
• You practiced endurance.
• You have a family history of atrial fibrillation.
Seek advice and information from your doctor!
