Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about atrial fibrillation. If you have a question that is not answered below please contact our Heart Health enquiries team on hearthealthinfo@heartfoundation.org.nz or by using our online contact form.
Q – What is atrial fibrillation (AF)?
AF is a heart condition in which the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat rapidly and irregularly causing the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) to pump the blood abnormally and ineffectively throughout the body.
Q – How did I get AF?
Some possible risk factors for AF are advance age, heart disease (prior heart attack or heart failure), high blood pressure, diabetes, excessive alcohol drinking, smoking, obesity, sleep apnea, persons with heart valve problems and/or other chronic medical or heart related problems.
Q - Can’t I just exercise more and eat better to reduce my risk of stroke?
Eating a healthy diet and exercising will help to reduce your risk of stroke, but this alone does not minimise the possibility. With AF, the irregular heart beat can cause clots to form in the atria (upper chambers of the heart), if these clots break off and travel to the brain, they can cause a stroke. Treatment for AF usually includes an anticoagulant such as Warfarin or Dabigatran to prevent these clots from occurring.
Q – Should I encourage my family to be screened for AF?
Research does suggest that there is a slight increase of developing AF if a first degree relative i.e. parent or sibling) has the condition, however screening is only encouraged if a family member notices an irregular pulse or has a history of high blood pressure.
Q – Can I still drive with AF?
You can still drive with AF, as long as you don’t have dizzy spells or black outs. If you are unsure discuss this with your doctor.
Q – How much sleep do I need?
There really is no right or wrong answer. The average sleep period is 7 – 8 hours, but some people may function perfectly well on 5. The key is the quality of sleep and that you wake up feeling refreshed and energised.
Q –Is it safe to have sex?
It is common to feel worried or anxious about being intimate with your partner after being diagnosed with AF. But the good news is for most people with AF, sex is safe and can actually be very good for your heart health. Sex, like any other physical activity can have a number of benefits for your heart. It increases blood flow and heart rate and improves circulation. It has also been known to relieve stress, boost the immune system and reduce pain.
Q – What if I don’t feel like sex?
When you are first told you have AF it can be a very distressing time and you may not feel like being intimate with your partner for a while. This is very common and generally only temporary. It is important to be honest with your partner and tell them how you are feeling.
Q – Why do I feel so tired?
There may be a number of reasons why you feel tired. In some cases, the AF itself may be causing the tiredness. Other reasons could range from treatment or medication, lack of restful sleep, poor diet or some other underlying condition. If your fatigue is severe or getting worse it is important to discuss this with your GP.
Q – What are some of the things I can do to help manage my fatigue?
If you experience fatigue, there are a number of things you can do to help you feel more energised. These include eating a diet high in fruit, vegetables and protein and being active. (See section on managing fatigue)
Q – Can I still fly with AF?
There is no reason you can’t fly if you have AF, however it is a good idea to check with your doctor first and discuss and treatment you are having for AF. People with AF fly all the time and are perfectly okay. It is recommended that you contact your airline prior to booking your flight. If you are going overseas you will need a travel insurance policy that will cover you for pre-existing conditions.
Q – If I have AF, do I need to stop working?
It is generally not necessary for people to give up work if they have AF. It is common to be anxious about working, but it is important to continue to be active and carry on with a normal life as much as possible.
Q – If my symptoms have gone can I stop taking my medication?
It is important to discuss your condition and medication with your doctor before stopping any treatment. Even if you don’t have symptoms your risk of stroke is always there, therefore in most cases, you will need to continue to take medication whether you have symptoms or not. AF is not seen as a ‘curable’ condition, but rather one which needs to be managed long-term.
Q – Why does AF increase my risk of Stroke?
When you have an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) like with AF, blood doesn’t flow as well through the heart and can collect in the atria. As a result this collected or pooled blood is more likely to clot (thicken into lumps). These clots could break off and travel to the smaill vessels in the brain. What is worrying is that a clot could block one of the blood vessels, cutting off vital blood supply and damaging part of the brain. This is called a Stroke.
Q – Can I have AF and not know it?
Yes, some people never have symptoms and their AF may only be picked up during a physical exam at their doctors clinic.
Q - Can I live a long life with AF?
Yes, some people can live very healthy and active lives. Managing your AF and controlling your risk factors for heart disease and stroke will help you maintain a quality life. Work with your doctor to find the best treatment and management plan for you.
Q – Can I die from AF?
Assuming you have no underlying heart conditions, generally no, however, you can die from complications that result from having AF. Two complications that people with atrial fibrillation are at risk of are stroke or heart failure. The most important thing you can do is to work with your doctor or other healthcare provider to make sure that you are doing all you can to prevent any complications that could occur as a result of having AF.