How does atrial fibrillation affect your quality of life?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heart rhythm disorder that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While some individuals experience few or no symptoms, others face ongoing challenges that affect their physical health, emotional well-being and daily activities. Understanding these effects is essential for recognising the importance of diagnosis, treatment and long-term management.

What are the physical effects of atrial fibrillation?

AF disrupts the heart's normal rhythm, which can reduce its ability to pump blood efficiently. This often leads to:

• Fatigue: Irregular heart rhythms can cause tiredness and a lack of energy, making it difficult to complete daily tasks.
• Shortness of breath: Reduced heart efficiency may leave you feeling breathless, particularly during exercise or simple activities.
• Dizziness and fainting: Poor blood flow to the brain due to irregular rhythms can cause light-headedness or fainting spells.
• Reduced exercise tolerance: Many people with AF struggle to stay as active as before, as physical exertion can worsen symptoms like palpitations and fatigue.

What is the emotional and mental impact of AF?

The unpredictability of atrial fibrillation can take a toll on mental health and emotional well-being:

• Anxiety: The irregular heartbeat or fear of complications such as stroke can cause heightened anxiety in some individuals.
• Depression: Living with chronic symptoms or limitations in physical activity can contribute to feelings of sadness or frustration.
• Reduced confidence: The fear of experiencing palpitations or breathlessness in public can lead to social withdrawal and avoidance of activities.

What impact does atrial fibrillation have on daily activities?

AF can interfere with regular routines and personal independence, including:

• Work and productivity: Fatigue and concentration difficulties may make it harder to perform tasks effectively at work.
• Sleep disturbances: Many individuals with AF report poor sleep quality due to irregular heartbeats or night-time palpitations.
• Social life: Symptoms like fatigue or dizziness may limit social activities, exercise routines, and travel, impacting overall lifestyle.

Long-term concerns

Left untreated, atrial fibrillation can lead to serious complications, further impacting quality of life. These include:

• Increased risk of stroke: AF causes blood pooling in the heart, which can result in blood clots and stroke if untreated.
• Heart failure: Persistent irregular rhythms may weaken the heart over time, leading to heart failure.
• Need for regular medical care: Monitoring AF, managing symptoms, and preventing complications often require ongoing treatment and follow-up appointments.

How can I manage atrial fibrillation to improve quality of life?

With proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, individuals with AF can lead fulfilling lives. Management strategies include:

• Medications: Blood thinners, rate control drugs or rhythm stabilisers can reduce symptoms and risks.
• Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet and stress management techniques can help improve heart health.
• Medical procedures: Options like catheter ablation or cardioversion can restore normal heart rhythms for some patients.
• Ongoing support: Working with healthcare professionals and seeking support groups can help manage the emotional and physical aspects of AF.

By addressing the symptoms and underlying causes of atrial fibrillation, patients can regain control over their health, improve their quality of life, and reduce the long-term risks associated with the condition.