You're sitting on the couch, maybe enjoying your morning coffee or reading the paper, when suddenly your heart skips a beat. Then another. It flutters. It races. It slows down, then speeds up again.

If you’ve ever felt your heart acting more like a bongo drum than a steady metronome, you might be experiencing something called atrial fibrillation, or AFib for short. It’s the most common type of irregular heartbeat, especially in adults over 50. And while it can feel unsettling—or downright scary—it’s manageable with the right care, attention, and treatment plan. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heartbeat that happens when the upper chambers of your heart (called the atria) beat out of sync with the lower chambers (the ventricles).

In a healthy heart, your heartbeat follows a steady rhythm—about 60 to 100 beats per minute when at rest. The top and bottom chambers work together in a coordinated squeeze-pump pattern. But in AFib, the electrical signals that control your heartbeat get scrambled. The atria quiver instead of contracting properly, and that can cause a cascade of symptoms and health concerns.

What Does AFib Feel Like?

People describe atrial fibrillation in different ways, and for some, it’s so subtle they don’t notice it at all. But common signs include:

• Heart palpitations: a fluttering, pounding, or racing sensation
• Fatigue or weakness: especially during normal daily activities
• Shortness of breath: sometimes even at rest
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest discomfort or tightness
• Anxiety or a sense that “something’s not right”

Some folks chalk it up to stress, caffeine, or simply aging. But if you feel any of these symptoms—especially a fluttery or irregular heartbeat—it’s time to check in with your doctor.

Why It’s Important Not to Ignore AFib

You may be tempted to brush off AFib as just another annoyance that comes with getting older. But left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications, including:

1. Stroke

When the atria don’t contract properly, blood can pool in the heart and form clots. If a clot travels to the brain, it can block blood flow and cause a stroke. In fact, AFib increases your stroke risk by up to five times.

2. Heart Failure

Over time, a constantly irregular or fast heartbeat can weaken your heart muscle, making it harder to pump blood effectively. This can lead to heart failure, where your heart struggles to meet your body’s needs.

3. Cognitive Decline

Emerging research suggests a link between AFib and a higher risk of dementia, likely due to reduced blood flow to the brain over time. The good news? With early detection and treatment, many of these risks can be dramatically reduced.

What Causes Atrial Fibrillation?

AFib can be triggered by many things—some within your control, some not. Here are a few common causes:

• High blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease
• Sleep apnea
• Thyroid disorders
• Diabetes
• Heavy alcohol use
• Smoking
• A history of heart surgery or heart disease
• Genetics or family history

Sometimes, there’s no clear reason. But age is the biggest risk factor—your odds of developing AFib increase significantly after age 50.

How Is AFib Diagnosed?

The most common way to diagnose AFib is through an electrocardiogram (EKG), a simple test that records your heart’s electrical activity. If your heart is in AFib during the test, the pattern will show up clearly. If your symptoms come and go (what doctors call paroxysmal AFib), you may need to wear a portable heart monitor for a few days or weeks to catch an episode.

Other tests—like blood work, echocardiograms, or stress tests—may be ordered to check for underlying conditions that might be contributing to the arrhythmia.

What Can You Do About It?

Treating AFib often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes procedures. The goal is to:

• Prevent stroke
• Control your heart rate
• Restore a normal rhythm if possible

Medications Commonly Used:

• Blood thinners (anticoagulants): These reduce the risk of clots and stroke.
• Rate control medications: Help slow your heart down.
• Rhythm control medications: Try to restore and maintain a normal heartbeat.

Your doctor will tailor your treatment based on your health, symptoms, and risks.

What If Medication Doesn’t Work?

If lifestyle changes and medications aren’t enough—or if side effects are too severe—your doctor may suggest a procedure, such as:

1. Cardioversion

This is a controlled electrical shock delivered to the heart (under sedation) to restore a regular rhythm. It’s quick and generally safe.

2. Ablation

In this procedure, a doctor threads a tiny catheter into your heart to find the source of the abnormal signals. They then use heat or cold to destroy that small area of tissue. Many people with persistent AFib find relief with ablation.

3. Pacemaker

If your heart rate becomes too slow after treatment—or if your rhythm needs steady regulation—you may be a candidate for a pacemaker.

Everyday Tips for Living Well with AFib

You don’t have to put your life on pause just because you’ve been diagnosed with AFib. In fact, healthy lifestyle choices can significantly improve your condition and help prevent further complications.

Here are some ways to take charge of your heart health:

• Eat a heart-smart diet. Think more plants, fewer processed foods. A Mediterranean-style diet—rich in vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins—is a great place to start.
• Move your body daily. Regular physical activity—like walking, yoga, or swimming—can help regulate your heart, lower your blood pressure, and reduce stress.
• Stop smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke—and it’s especially dangerous if you have AFib.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine. Heavy drinking can trigger episodes of AFib, and too much caffeine may worsen symptoms in some people.
• Prioritize sleep. If you snore or wake up tired, talk to your doctor about sleep apnea—it's a hidden trigger for AFib that’s often missed.
• Manage stress. Chronic stress can raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation can all help.

Supporting a Loved One with AFib

If your spouse, sibling, or parent has been diagnosed with AFib, your support matters. Offer to help them:

• Keep track of medications
• Attend healthcare appointments
• Create a healthy meal plan
• Start a walking routine
• Stay calm during symptoms

Atrial fibrillation can be a wake-up call—but it’s not a life sentence. With today’s advances in medicine, along with practical changes in your lifestyle, you can take control of AFib and continue to live a full, active life.

It starts by listening to your body. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. See your doctor. Ask questions. Be proactive. Because when it comes to your heart, every beat counts. 

Summary:

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of irregular heartbeat, especially in adults over 50. It may feel like a fluttering or racing heart and can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Though it may seem harmless at first, AFib can increase your risk of stroke, heart failure, and cognitive decline. Fortunately, AFib is manageable through medications, procedures like cardioversion or ablation, and healthy lifestyle changes. With early diagnosis and proper care, many people with AFib live long, vibrant lives. The key is to stay informed, work closely with your healthcare team, and take small steps every day to support your heart.

To your success,

Coach Joe

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women lose weight, gain strength, and slow aging. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to increase longevity with the best online age-management program, or you want to visit the best age-management program in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.