Atrial Fibrillation: Millions of Indians are unaware of this heart disease

Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms: Experts say that with increasing age, the increasing burden of obesity, diabetes, and uncontrolled high blood pressure is also causing an increase in its cases.

Symptoms and causes of atrial fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms And Causes: People often ignore a sudden increase in heartbeat, a fluttering sensation in the chest or shortness of breath without any specific reason, thinking it to be a normal problem. However, if this happens repeatedly, it can be a sign of a heart-related problem called atrial fibrillation. This is one of the most common problems related to the rhythm of the heartbeat in the world. The worrying thing is that in many people, its clear symptoms are not visible and the disease is detected only after it becomes a serious problem.

According to estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study, around 8 million people in India live with atrial fibrillation. Experts say that the increasing burden of obesity, diabetes, and uncontrolled high blood pressure along with aging is also contributing to the rise in cases. Dr. Christopher Granger, Professor of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, told India Today Digital that atrial fibrillation occurs when there is abnormal electrical activity in the upper chambers of the heart, the atria. This causes the heart to beat irregularly instead of in a normal and orderly manner.

What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?