❣️This Heart Month we’re going back to basics, covering everything you need to know about atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Affecting an estimated 37.5 million people worldwide, AFib is the most common arrhythmia. It occurs when the upper chambers of your heart beat out of coordination with the lower chambers, which causes your heart to beat either too slowly or too quickly.
AFib may come and go, or it may be persistent. Regardless, AFib is a serious heart condition that requires ongoing management.
Keep following along to learn more about AFib this Heart Month.
Some people with AFib experience many symptoms, while others have none at all, making it a challenging arrhythmia to detect and diagnose. Common symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AFib) may include:
🩷Heart palpitations
🫁Shortness of breath
😴Extreme fatigue
🌀Dizziness or lightheadedness
Learn more about AFib symptoms and management on kardia.com/blog.
Being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib) can be a life-changing event, but it’s possible to manage your AFib and keep it in check. These habits may help:
💪Exercise
🧘Minimize stress
🧂Reduce salt intake
☕Watch out for caffeine
🤒Avoid flu/illness
Find more tips and resources at kardia.com/blog
While cardio gets a lot of the spotlight, strength training is a secret weapon for heart health. 🏋️ Lifting weights or using resistance bands helps your muscles pull oxygen from the blood more efficiently, which lightens the load on your heart. Try to incorporate two days of full-body strength training into your weekly routine. 💪 It’s not about "bulking up", it’s about making your heart’s job easier every single day. ♥️
❓Have you ever received an "Unclassified" result?
This means your EKG fell outside our standard algorithmic boundaries, but you still have plenty of options for answers. Simply share the recording with your doctor or use the Kardia app to request a review from a team of cardiologists. We’re here to help you turn "Unclassified" data into actionable insights for your heart.
♥️ High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for developing Atrial Fibrillation. When your blood pressure is consistently high, it puts extra strain on your heart’s upper chambers, which can lead to the irregular rhythms known as AFib. By managing your blood pressure today, you are taking a massive step in preventing AFib later. Start recording your blood pressure in your Kardia app to "know your numbers" and protect your rhythm. Read our blog via the link in our bio to learn more.
Did you know that poor sleep quality can be a direct trigger for AFib episodes? 😴 As the days get longer, ensure you're still prioritizing a cool, dark environment for a full night's rest. Sleep is when your heart rate naturally slows and your cardiovascular system recovers from the day's stress. Protect your rhythm by making "sleep hygiene" a top priority this spring.
🍓 Spring is the season for fresh berries, which are packed with heart-healthy antioxidants called anthocyanins. These nutrients help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, two factors that can impact your heart’s electrical stability. Add a handful of blueberries or strawberries to your morning oatmeal to start your day with a rhythm-supporting boost.
Some people describe AFib feeling as a "thumping," a "flip-flopping," or even just a general sense of fatigue and shortness of breath. Others feel nothing at all, which is known as "silent AFib." This is why regular heart rhythm checks are essential, especially if you have high blood pressure or are over the age of 65. Learn more about the AFib warning signs on our blog via the link in our bio.
Your Kardia device is powerful, but a KardiaCare membership takes your heart health to the next level. Unlock Advanced Determinations, our top feature that can identify sinus rhythm with PVCs, sinus rhythm with Wide QRS, and sinus rhythm with PACs. These deeper insights give you a more complete picture of what your heart is doing between doctor visits. It’s the ultimate upgrade for those who want total clarity. Learn more about KardiaCare at kardia.com/products/kardiacare
