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Causes and symptoms of atrial fibrillation

Causes and symptoms of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart rhythm disorder affecting millions worldwide. Understanding the causes and early signs of AFib is crucial for timely detection, intervention, and effective management. The subtle yet vital signs that indicate its presence can be mistaken as nothing serious or a symptom of some other health condition. By unraveling the mysteries behind AFib, it is essential to empower oneself with the knowledge that can lead to proactive heart health management and improved quality of life.

Causes of atrial fibrillation

Age
As one grows old, the risk of developing atrial fibrillation increases. The wear and tear on the heart’s electrical system over time can disrupt its normal rhythm and lead to AFib. Additionally, age-related conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and underlying structural abnormalities can further predispose individuals to AFib.

High blood pressure
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant risk factor for atrial fibrillation. Persistent elevation in blood pressure can damage the heart’s electrical system and promote irregular heartbeats. Managing and controlling blood pressure through lifestyle modifications and appropriate healthcare interventions is crucial in reducing the risk of developing AFib.

Heart conditions and diseases
Various heart conditions and diseases can contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation. These include coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, congenital heart defects, heart failure, and a history of heart surgery. Structural abnormalities or damage to the heart’s tissues can disrupt its electrical signals, leading to AFib.

Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, is strongly linked to atrial fibrillation. The intermittent lack of oxygen during apnea episodes can trigger irregular heart rhythms. Treating sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy can help reduce the risk of AFib.

Chronic lung diseases
Individuals with chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, have an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The impaired lung function and associated inflammation can contribute to AFib. Proper management of lung diseases is crucial in minimizing the risk of AFib.

Early signs of atrial fibrillation

Heart palpitations
One of the most common early signs of atrial fibrillation is a sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeats, known as heart palpitations. Individuals may feel as if their heart is fluttering, pounding, or racing in their chest. Pay attention to any unusual sensations and seek evaluation if palpitations persist or worsen.

Fatigue and weakness
Feeling unusually tired or experiencing persistent fatigue and weakness can be an early indication of atrial fibrillation. The irregular heart rhythm and inadequate blood flow to the body’s tissues can lead to reduced energy levels and overall fatigue. If it causes a decline in the patient’s stamina and makes it challenging to engage in routine activities, it could be time to seek attention.

Shortness of Breath
Atrial fibrillation can cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially during physical exertion or when lying flat. The irregular heart rhythm and compromised blood flow can lead to inadequate oxygen supply, resulting in breathlessness. If a patient experiences persistent episodes of shortness of breath, it is important to get it further evaluated.

Chest discomfort
Some individuals with atrial fibrillation may experience chest discomfort or a sensation of pressure or tightness in the chest. This discomfort may be intermittent or persistent, ranging from mild to severe.

Dizziness and lightheadedness
Atrial fibrillation can cause episodes of dizziness or lightheadedness. The irregular heart rhythm and compromised blood flow to the brain can result in feelings of instability or a sensation that the patient might faint. If an individual experiences frequent or recurring episodes of dizziness, it is important to speak to a doctor.

Exercise intolerance
Individuals with atrial fibrillation may notice a decreased tolerance for physical activity or exercise. The irregular heart rhythm and reduced blood flow can limit their ability to engage in strenuous activities. If an individual finds that they are becoming easily fatigued or unable to maintain the usual exercise routine, it is important to take the necessary steps and get their condition evaluated.

Anxiety and restlessness
Atrial fibrillation can lead to feelings of anxiety, restlessness, or unease. The irregular heartbeat and associated symptoms can cause emotional distress and contribute to a sense of uneasiness. If patients notice heightened anxiety or feelings of restlessness, it is important to address these concerns.

Fainting or loss of consciousness
Atrial fibrillation can cause loss of consciousness or fainting in some people. This is also known as syncope. This can be a result of the irregular heart rhythm that compromises the blood being supplied to the brain. If an individual experiences fainting spells or episodes of losing consciousness, it is crucial to seek immediate help. This may indicate a more severe form of AFib or some other underlying cardiac condition.

Fluttering sensation in the neck
Another symptom observed in individuals with AFib is a fluttering sensation in the neck. Like many other symptoms, this also results from the irregular heartbeats associated with the condition. It can be noticed when palpating the neck or touching it. These signs must be addressed at the earliest.

Increased urination
This condition can affect fluid balance in the body, leading to increased urine production. Some individuals may notice an increase in the frequency of urination or the volume of urine passed. This symptom may be more pronounced during episodes of AFib or when the heart rate is particularly fast.

Cognitive impairment
AFib can impact an individual’s cognitive functioning. Albeit not a common symptom, it is a recorded symptom of the condition. The reduced blood flow of the patient and the irregular heartbeat can contribute to increasing issues with cognitive functioning. It can cause changes in the individual’s concentration, memories, and alertness. If any changes pertaining to the patient’s cognitive condition are noticed, it is important to speak to a healthcare provider and determine the cause and management plan.

Stroke
Atrial fibrillation significantly increases the risk of stroke. Irregular blood flow and blood pooling in the atria can often cause blood clots to form. These blood clots carry the risk of traveling to the brain or blocking its blood flow. Changes in blood flow to the brain and the presence of blood clots increase the risk of an individual having a stroke. Individuals with AFib must work closely with their healthcare providers to manage their condition and minimize the risk of stroke.

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Foods to Eat and Avoid for Optimal Kidney Health

Kidneys help filter waste from the blood and dispose of it off the body via urine. They also help balance the electrolyte and fluid levels in the body. But, conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes may intervene with their ability to work as required. Furthermore, damage to the kidney might also result in chronic kidney disease. Hence making changes in your meal plan is a vital aspect of treatment. You can prevent damage to these organs by following a kidney-healthy meal plan. Below, we will address some foods to eat and avoid for better kidney health. Foods to eat Cauliflower Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable. It's an excellent source of folate, Vitamins B, K, and C. It's rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles, a fiber source. In addition, you can use mashed cauliflower as a replacement for potatoes. For example, a cup of cooked cauliflower has 40 mg of phosphorous, 176 mg of potassium, and 19 mg of sodium. Sweet potatoes They are relatively similar to white potatoes but have more fiber content, resulting in them breaking down more gradually. Hence, you will experience a less spike in insulin levels. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium that help balance the sodium levels in the body and lower their impact on the kidneys. But, since sweet potatoes have a high potassium content, people on dialysis or those with CKD should curtail the intake of this vegetable. Red bell peppers They are rich in flavor and low in potassium, but that is not the sole reason they are considered a hit among people with kidney disease. Red bell peppers have Vitamin C and A sources and are also high in fiber, folic acid, and B6 vitamin content. In addition, red bell peppers are also suitable because they have lycopene, an antioxidant that shields against some cancers. You can eat them raw with a dip, mix them into your salad, or enjoy them as an appetizer. Some people also like roasting bell peppers and using them as a topping for lettuce salads or sandwiches. Olive oil It contains healthy fat and has anti-inflammatory properties. Since it is monosaturated fat, it stays stable even at higher temperatures as you cook. Thus, switching to extra virgin olive oil can give you more antioxidants while you still enjoy your favorite dish. Green vegetables Leafy veggies like spinach, kale, romaine, arugula, and cabbage are hydrating, low in calories, and have high antioxidant and vitamin content. If you wish to be cautious about your mineral levels, you must opt for cabbage and arugula, which are nutrient-rich and lower in sodium, potassium, phosphorous, and calcium. In addition, kale and spinach have a high potassium content, which is ok for people seeking to improve their kidney health, but best for those already dealing with chronic kidney disease. Blueberries They are called superfoods because they are rich in antioxidants and are a low-calorie Vitamin-C and fiber source. You can stock them in abundance from your local grocery store or farmer’s market. You can also shop for frozen berries in the off-season and enjoy healthy smoothies. People with kidney diseases can also eat other berries like raspberries, cranberries, and strawberries. Apples Apples are low in potassium and rich in fiber when you eat them with peel. They also have a natural anti-inflammatory effect and are ideal for your kidneys. Foods to avoid Soda Soda has zero nutritional benefits and instead has high sugar content. It only adds to the extra calories. Some studies link high soda consumption to conditions like kidney disease, osteoporosis, dental problems, and metabolic syndrome. If you opt for their lower calorie alternative like coke zero, even that will do you no good, as it has no nutritional value and contains artificial sweeteners and additives. Hence, you must omit soda and opt for healthy beverages like water. If you do not enjoy plain water, add a slice or two of fresh fruit for added flavor. Avocados Avocadoes are known for their many nutritious qualities. They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Even though consuming avocado is often considered healthy, people with kidney disease must avoid it as avocados have a high potassium content. An average-sized avocado has about 690 mg of potassium. If you love the taste and do not want to eliminate it, you can reduce the portion size to only 1/4th of the avocado. In addition, it will lower potassium intake.  Salty foods Sodium or salt is one of the most prevalent inclusions in foods you consume daily. However, their density is higher in processed foods. Salt results in water retention and may cause blood pressure, lung, and heart disease. Healthy kidneys work towards maintaining the correct fluid balance in the body. So, if your kidneys do not function as desired, the fluid balance may be disturbed. Hence, you must curtail sodium-rich foods like processed foods, packaged items, and soy sauce. When cooking meals at home, opt for low-sodium alternatives. You can replace salt with spices and herbs and keep the salt shaker off the table. Dairy Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and milk are rich in protein, calcium, and other vital nutrients. They also contain potassium and phosphorous. People with stage three kidney disease might want to curtail their potassium, phosphorous, and protein intake, which is high in dairy. So, you can instead reach out for dairy alternatives like rice, soy, or almond milk as they have lower potassium, phosphorous, and protein content than cow’s milk. Bananas Though naturally low in sodium, bananas' potassium content is significantly high. So, to ensure your kidney disease does not aggravate, monitor your potassium intake, and it might be challenging if the banana is your staple. Conclusion Whatever you eat or drink will affect your health regardless of any health issue. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight and following a balanced meal plan are prerequisites to staying fit and controlling blood sugar levels. A kidney-healthy meal plan is less about eliminating certain foods but following portion control and finding a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

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7 common early signs of Crohn’s disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in which a person's digestive tract tissues undergo inflammation and swelling. While it affects several digestive areas, this disease commonly targets the small intestine. It causes severe pain and discomfort in the abdomen region. Healthcare experts can diagnose the condition by detecting some of its more prevalent symptoms. Thus, here are some of the common early signs of Crohn’s disease you must note. Diarrhea Crohn's disease is characterized by frequent flare-ups. As specified earlier, this includes inflammation and swelling in the tissues of one's digestive tract. As a result, the intestine walls cannot absorb any nutrients, causing the waste residue to pass through without much natural processing. Due to this and the swelling, an individual's stools are also badly affected. A person's motions become loose, watery, and sometimes entirely liquid because of Crohn's frequent flare-ups. This is why people with this condition start experiencing diarrhea regularly, along with this health condition's flare-ups. Abdominal pain Pain in the lower part of one's tummy is not uncommon for those who suffer from Crohn's disease. In fact, this is an early symptom that a person is living with this disorder. The above-mentioned inflammation and swelling in the intestines tend to put a lot of pressure in and around the abdomen areas and the organs that are placed there. As a result, people experience discomfort and pain in their abdomen if they have Crohn's disease. This pain becomes especially pronounced during flare-ups; it is usually accompanied by cramps and frequent instances of fatigue as well. Abdominal pain is a symptom common to many diseases similar to Crohn’s. So, if one frequently has pain and discomfort in their abdominal area, they need to visit a healthcare professional immediately for help. Loss of appetite People with Crohn's disease undergo several hormonal changes, many of which affect their appetite adversely. Like many IBDs, Crohn’s also drastically alters the levels of hormones, such as leptin and ghrelin, two elements closely linked with a person’s appetite. Several scientific research studies have shown that Crohn's disease triggers inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins in a person's immune system that becomes overactive during flare-ups. The gut-brain interaction that is caused by this results in appetite loss in people. Crohn's-based inflammation directly tends to affect the central nervous system and brings changes to the way the brain facilitates appetite in individuals. Apart from this, appetite loss is a result of other digestive tract issues and inflammation caused by Crohn's disease. Fever The systemic inflammation that comes with Crohn's disease causes a person's body temperature to rise and fall dramatically. A high fever is the direct result of intestinal inflammation in such people. At the same time, Crohn's disease also brings about fever through various infections. One of the known facts about this health condition is that it weakens a person's immunity. People become vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections more frequently if they have Crohn's disease. The end result is profuse sweating and fevers during the night time, which get worse worse during flare-ups. Nausea and vomiting Essentially, one can clearly observe the gradual decline of their digestive process in a person living with Crohn's disease. Normally, when one consumes food, it goes through a set pathway until it is broken down, processed, absorbed, and the waste residue is excreted. However, when a person's intestines are inflamed, the food cannot normally travel through their digestive tract. It faces several disruptions along the way and, occasionally, is sent back up in the form of vomit. Therefore, if one experiences vomiting sensations after consuming food frequently and throws up undigested food with alarming regularity, they need to get themselves checked for Crohn's disease. Like many of the symptoms listed here, nausea and vomiting are also the signs of many other digestive disorders and IBDs. Visiting and undergoing a check-up at the hands of an experienced healthcare professional helps people clearly differentiate between other diseases and Crohn’s. Doing so, rather than taking decisions by oneself, also helps individuals with getting the right treatment and prescription-based solutions for their health problem. Joint pain Many readers might wonder about how a predominantly digestive disease affects the bones and joints, but an early symptom of Crohn’s disease is also joint pain. Although healthcare researchers are still delving deeper into the actual connection between one's gut and joints, some of the potential causes of this symptom include a genetic predisposition, the make-up of the microbiome, and overactive inflammatory cells, all triggered by Crohn's disease. A possible reason for joint pain is inflammation that causes the bacterial matter to migrate from the gut to other zones within the body. A frequent zone is the nexus of various bones and joints in individuals. To fight the bacteria, the body's white blood cells attack them. As a collateral damage, the zones where the bacteria are present also get affected in the cross-fire. Red bumps on the skin Like one's joints, the skin also seems pretty distant from one's digestive system. However, an early sign of Crohn's-driven inflammation is red skin bumps. A particular complication brought about by Crohn's disease is Acrodermatitis enteropathica, in which a person also suffers from zinc deficiency. The diarrhea caused by Crohn's disease makes people lose several vital nutrients, such as zinc, a vital nutrient that facilitates growth and development in people. Due to these zinc inconsistencies, people develop pink, scaly rashes on their face and other areas throughout their skin. The rashes generally appear more tangibly on the mouth and anal areas. To counter this particular early symptom of Crohn’s, healthcare professionals advise people with this condition to consume meals and drinks that are rich in zinc.

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