We all understand the value of quality sleep — most of us have felt the effects of not getting enough. But what many people don’t realize is that poor sleep quality and sleep apnea can be a hidden trigger for atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heartbeat. What else should you know about AFib?
AFib is an electrical disorder of the heart and a type of arrhythmia in which the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly and out of sync with the heart’s lower chambers. An estimated 5 million Americans have AFib, making it one of the most common types of heart rhythm conditions.
Some people are aware when they’re in AFib, while others may not notice it at all. Some common symptoms include palpitations or a fluttering feeling in the chest, shortness of breath, fatigue, lightheadedness or dizziness. AFib can occur in short episodes or may persist as a long-term condition.
When it goes untreated, potential complications of AFib are stroke and other cardiovascular issues, including cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart) and heart failure.
What can trigger an AFib episode?
“A key component of addressing the condition is understanding what triggers your symptoms and actively working to avoid those triggers,” said Shah Aziz Alam, MD, hospitalist with Endeavor Health.
Some common triggers for AFib include:
- Poor sleep and/or sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a significant contributing factor to AFib. This condition disrupts breathing during sleep, putting extra strain on the heart and potentially triggering AFib episodes. OSA is often underdiagnosed and managing it with treatments like CPAP therapy can lower the risk of recurrent AFib, said Dr. Alam.
- Stress and anxiety: Stress is a well-known trigger for AFib. When you're feeling anxious or under pressure, your body releases hormones like adrenaline that can overstimulate the heart, potentially causing irregular rhythms. Long-term stress, especially, has been associated with an increased risk of AFib episodes.
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance: Dehydration can also trigger an episode of AFib. When dehydration occurs, loss of essential electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium can affect your normal heart function, potentially leading to irregular rhythms.
- Alcohol consumption: Alcohol is one of the most common triggers for AFib. For some people, excessive alcohol can be an AFib trigger, while for others, just a small amount of alcohol can cause an AFib episode.
- Caffeine and stimulants: Excessive caffeine, like energy drinks and other substances that speed up your system, can cause an AFib episode. Smoking or tobacco use can also trigger an episode.
- Excessive exercise: Exercise can elevate heart rate, which may trigger an AFib episode, particularly during extreme exertion or when exercising while dehydrated. Additionally, endurance athletes, like triathletes, are at a higher risk of developing AFib due to the intense physical demands of their training.
What are some ways to prevent AFib?
Managing AFib is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and Dr. Alam emphasizes this point to his patients. “At Endeavor Health, every patient’s care plan is personalized, with goals specifically designed to meet their unique needs,” he said.
Since AFib can be caused by factors such as high blood pressure and obesity, it can often be controlled through simple — yet essential — lifestyle changes. Dr. Alam offers these prevention strategies:
- Engage in regular, moderate exercise
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
- Eat healthy and maintain a healthy weight
- Get good sleep
- Control high blood pressure
- Don’t smoke
- Address underlying conditions, such as diabetes and sleep apnea
- Use wearable devices, like smartwatches, to monitor heart health
If you are concerned that you might be at risk for AFib, speak with your doctor.
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