One cause of AFib is a small impulse in the heart that starts beating incredibly fast. The other is a disruption in normal heart rhythm pushing the heart into an irregular beat.
When you first experience AFib, it can leave you feeling nervous and uncertain about how to overcome the episode. If you already have an AFib condition but are keen to gain control over the bad episodes, this post is for you.
Discover below different ways to manage an AFib episode through medication and lifestyle changes:
Slow Breathing
It is important to take slow deep breaths to help the heart rate slow down. Focusing on inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for four seconds can be helpful.
Make sure to relax your shoulders and allow the air to fill your lungs to capacity. It can be helpful to practice this breathing pattern for about 10 minutes as it can help reduce the heart rate, allowing for the episode to stop.
Vagal Maneuvers
This can be done at home or in the hospital and involves certain activities that stimulate the vagus nerve and help reset the heart rate back to normal.
They include coughing, bearing down, as if you were having a bowel movement, or the “Valsalva maneuver”, standing up quickly, pressing a cold cloth to your face, submerging your face and neck in a sink full of icy water, or carotid sinus massage.
Yoga
To begin, it is best to start slowly and concentrate on using poses that can help with relaxation, such as cat and cow, or bridge pose. Practicing deep breathing during the poses can help with relaxation.
It is important to focus on poses that increase the heart’s lower resting heart rate, such as the triangle pose and warrior one, as these can help to decrease the overall effect of the episode. Regular practice of yoga can help to maintain a healthy heart rate, as well as reduce risk factors for AFib.
Learn the Cold Water Technique
To manage an afib attack using the face in cold water technique, first, sit or lie in a comfortable position. Then, apply a cold compress or ice pack to your face. Be sure to apply it to both sides of the face and forehead, which will help to relax the blood vessels in the face.
Dip your face in cold water, making sure to block the nostrils and keep the eyes shut. Hold the position for up to 10 seconds before removing the face from the water.
Call Your Doctor
If you are experiencing an AFib episode, call your doctor right away. Your doctor will help determine the cause and suggest the best treatment for you. Your doctor may suggest natural remedies, such as ginger or turmeric, to reduce symptoms.
Be sure to follow all medication instructions carefully, and if symptoms do not improve or get worse, contact your doctor immediately. If unsure, you can learn more about an afib test by reaching out to your doctor.
Manage an Afib Episode for a Healthy Future
Managing an AFib episode is not easy, but it can be done with patience and compliance with your doctor’s recommendations. Be sure to take your heart rate and blood pressure readings as needed, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest.
If symptoms persist, contact your doctor for further advice. Acting quickly and prudently can help mitigate damage and improve your cardiac health. Start taking the necessary steps today to manage AFib episodes and create a healthier tomorrow!
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