The ablation in late 2017 worked; less than 0.5% Afib since then. For example: In addition to AFib, several other health conditions can also raise your risk of stroke and heart failure. Treatment for Pagets disease depends on the type. In late July 2017 I was admitted for very high heart rate and Afib. AFib is a serious diagnosis. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 2023 NewLifeOutlook All rights reserved. Atrial fibrillation may alternate with other patterns of electrical activity. Eliquis has not given me any side effects that I am aware of. Possible causes of atrial fibrillation include: Some people who have atrial fibrillation have no known heart problems or heart damage. More research is needed to find out if AFib could make you more likely to get anxiety or depression, or if its the other way around. Effectiveness of screening for atrial fibrillation and its determinants. But I really watch how often I do that. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. The AV node is then bombarded with signals trying to get through to the lower heart chambers (ventricles). While theres no cure, treatments can help improve quality of life. If it gets worse, you might: This is when one or more of your hearts four valves dont work as well as they should. Call for help immediately and get to an emergency room. You may get some relief by resting. Seek medical attention right away if angina: When your heart isnt functioning properly, the rest of your body including your brain may not get enough blood. I might add that I stretch, use light weights and walk daily. I can say that I don't follow this diet religiously or 100%. Stay away from foods heavy in fat, sugar, and salt. muscle ache or pain. Head to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if youre not sure whats going on. If you have atrial fibrillation -- an irregular and sometimes fast heart rate -- you could also get blood clots in the top part of your heart. "Hi @cmauncc1, welcome. For example, if you have the flu and feel weak, it is likely that your weakness is unrelated to atrial fibrillation. In atrial fibrillation, the heart's two small upper chambers (atria) beat irregularly and too fast, which may increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other conditions. How much sleep do you get at night? I am sorry you are having an adverse reaction. It can be caused by injury, infection, and a number of conditions, including diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) and hypothyroidism. Kumar K. Antiarrhythmic drugs to maintain sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation: Recommendations. Beta blocking heart medications may be recommended as well. In fact, sleep apnea can increase the risk, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. All I knew was that my legs were getting progressively weaker! These factors are some of the most likely causes of weakness. You might find an overall reduced ability to exercise due to the effects of AFib. It produces the signal that starts each heartbeat. Congestive heart failure is a type of heart failure which requires seeking timely medical attention, although sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably. Dizziness or feeling lightheaded Fainting Shortness of breath Chest discomfort Weakness or fatigue Atrial Fibrillation Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia. As a result, your heart works harder, is less efficient, and doesnt circulate blood properly throughout your body. I feel like I have ALS, but hope it's eliquis poisoning that can be reversed. This is called alcoholic neuropathy. During an episode of AFib, your pulse may feel like its racing, beating too slowly, or beating irregularly. Exposure to secondhand smoke, even in the womb, can increase a child's risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Herniated disk. People will often feel tired right after one. The sinus node is the heart's natural pacemaker. Venous thromboembolism can become a chronic condition for some people. Heart defect that you're born with (congenital heart defect), Physical stress due to surgery, pneumonia or other illnesses, Problem with the heart's natural pacemaker (sick sinus syndrome), Thyroid disease such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and other metabolic imbalances, Use of stimulants, including certain medications, caffeine, tobacco and alcohol, Get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight, Manage stress, as intense stress and anger can cause heart rhythm problems. While it is highly unlikely, you may have a tumor in your heart which is called a myxoma. The cause of weakness associated with atrial fibrillation is not always discovered. privacy practices. Thyroid disease is a common diagnosis. The symptoms of a stroke are often easily recognizable. Kumar K. Overview of atrial fibrillation. When you have AFib, its important to work closely with your doctor to manage your symptoms and reduce your risk of complications. We are vaccinating all eligible patients. When you have atrial fibrillation (AFib), theres a chance you could have another health condition as well. Its common to have both heart failure and AFib. Limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine. A pacemaker may need to be inserted. Warm feeling around the area of the clot. Oxygen-rich blood is not being delivered to the body and brain, causing physical and mental fatigue and reduced stamina. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. See a doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms. When the heart fails to contract properly, blood tends to pool in the atria. Mayo Clinic Staff. If you feel dizzy or faint, sit or lie down. It affects the nerves of your arms and hands or legs and feet, causing nerve pain, numbness or tingling, and weakness that can lead to loss of movement. DVT usually affects your leg or pelvis, and sometimes the arm. An arrhythmia is an abnormal electrical pattern within the heart which causes your heart to beat differently than normal. chest tightness Sudden swelling of your face or tongue Trouble breathing Wheezing Feeling dizzy or faint Talk to your doctor about any side effect that may be bothering you or that does not go away. 2017; doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2017.10.021. It may occur as a result of medication. From 5-minute hacks to lifelong practices, heres the quick guide to eliminating stress and reaching your. The signal passes through a pathway between the upper and lower chambers called the atrioventricular (AV) node. January CT, et al. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Review/update the Stay up-to-date with all the latest news, articles, and updates from your community! I have gotten used to Tylenol when I need to take a pain reliever. (2016, October 13), Treatment guidelines of atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF). He now asks each of his patients "Do you have any physical problems? See here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/heart-rhythm-conditions/. AFib can happen from any type of problem that changes the way the heart handles electricity. How much exercise have you gotten lately? It turns out that the racing heart, dizziness, and lightheadedness Hills felt are all classic symptoms of atrial fibrillation. This is why, on top of monitoring your own health and symptoms, you should make it a point to make your recommended exams and see your doctor regularly. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. The other type of weakness is a localized decrease in strength. Mayo Clinic. If a blood clot in the left upper chamber (left atrium) breaks free from the heart area, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. I'm tagging other members who also take Eliquis for afib like @cece55 @hmccarth5 @diane18 @mayofeb2020 @phillipdobrien @spudmato to see if they have some suggestions for you. 2019; doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000665. But some of the signs are: This is when your heart muscle thickens, making the four chambers inside it smaller. It starts from the beginning, as soon as your child is old enough to recognize their own, Some people swear by working out on an empty stomach, called fasted cardio, as a quick and effective way to lose fat. AFib affects the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria. You are more likely to develop sick sinus syndrome if you have had a heart attack. About half of people dont have symptoms. See here: Apixaban (Oral Route) Side Effects Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/apixaban-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20060729?p=1. Had been, and still am, on minimal meds. Non-drug ways you can manage your condition. Accessed Aug. 3, 2021. Afib can cause shortness of breath even when youre resting or during simple, everyday activities. (4) He is in the process of getting Humana's OK to replace my "dead" loop recorder with a fresh one and has me on 81mg Aspirin. There are many additional causes which are not discussed here. It usually affects one side of your body. Looking for swelling in your feet or legs to identify heart failure. Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage to your bodys peripheral nervous system, which connects the nerves from your central nervous system to the rest of your body. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. I got leg weakness within a month also of taking eliquis. Practicing heart-healthy habits can help lower your risk of complications, including stroke and heart failure. It can raise your chances of getting AFib. You may become very aware of your own heartbeat. However, patients should still be . If you have a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and you develop weakness, it is important that you take note of other symptoms and notify your doctor. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Other signs and symptoms of stroke include: If you or someone else is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Hi @strengthaxle66 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. There are many medications used to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib). These are not all of the possible side effects of ELIQUIS. Are you experiencing a high level of stress? Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. The four types of atrial fibrillation can have different symptoms and treatment options. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health 11th ed. If it is due to a medication, the medication which is causing the arrhythmia is discontinued. From there, the clot will move throughout the arteries, which carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. The condition can cause troubling symptoms and serious medical complications, including blood clots that can lead to stroke and heart failure. I have never had muscle weakness and since my ablation in May of this year, I changed my diet completely. If you know that you have atrial fibrillation, you should tell your family and friends about stroke symptoms. In atrial fibrillation, the chaotic heart rhythm can cause blood to collect in the heart's upper chambers (atria) and form clots. Get emergency care if you experience sudden, severe pain in your lower back or leg accompanied by muscle weakness or numbness, or trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, which is a sign of cauda equina syndrome. Sciatica can range from a dull ache to sharp burning pain, and worsen with prolonged sitting or sneezing. Can You Lose Weight Faster by Exercising on an Empty Stomach? Signs and symptoms of Afib usually result from the effects of the heart not pumping as well as it should. When your brain is deprived of oxygen, it can be permanently damaged. If medication doesnt work, your doctor may recommend a procedure, such as: Electrical cardioversion. Sudden leg weakness could be a sign of a serious medical issue, such as a stroke. Conservative treatment, including rest followed by physical therapy, usually relieves symptoms within a few weeks. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/heart-rhythm-conditions/, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/side-effects-of-eliquis/, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/afib-5/, https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/apixaban-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20060729?p=1, https://www.eliquis.bmscustomerconnect.com/afib/faq. Spinal tumors can be cancerous or noncancerous, and originate in the spine or spinal column or spread there from another site. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Researchers say fitness trackers such as smartphones can potentially interfere with the workings of implanted device such as pacemakers, but they note. If this occurs, contact your doctor, or go to an emergency room. Sit down and try to relax each of the muscles in your body. Weakness in your leg (s) may occur from problems in the nerves and/or muscles in your lower body and is usually treatable. The lack of blood supply can cause dizzy spells or lightheadedness. Learn some possible causes of a burning sensation. Paroxysmal AFib is an episode of an arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation. This can increase the risk of clotting. Planning to travel with atrial fibrillation? Others say theyre able to work, Want to know how to reduce stress naturally? Though its not necessarily harmful by itself, having AFib increases your risk for other heart-related problems, as well as stroke. Accessed Aug. 2, 2021. Notify your doctor so that tests can be conducted, if you think that you may have sick sinus syndrome. Atrial Fibrillation and Strokes: What's the Risk if You Take Eliquis? https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. You will need treatment with medications, radiation, or surgery. Some studies suggest that stress and mental health issues may cause your atrial fibrillation symptoms to worsen. It's also not uncommon to experience irritability and muscle weakness during previously routine activities. Interestingly (but not unexpected) was that when I began walking 2-3 miles a day my leg muscles became SORE! If you or someone you know thinks that theyre having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Can you make AFIB go away? This is when your heart doesnt pump blood as well as it should. While this condition isnt fatal in itself, it can lead to potentially life-threatening complications. However, several conditions may cause weakness if you have atrial fibrillation. Numbness and fatigue are the most common symptoms. (2018). Your doctor can order blood tests to determine how your thyroid gland is functioning. Hyperthyroidism is much less common than hypothyroidism. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/catheter-ablation. I stopped taking it about 10 days ago and feel a little better. (2) Cardiologist had kept me on Eliquis despite Medtronic loop recorder showing that only a small fraction of 1% of the time was I fleetingly in Afib throughout its battery life. Other symptoms include weight gain, lightheadedness, and a general feeling of discomfort and fatigue. Causes of spinal compression include: scoliosis, which is an abnormal curvature of the spine. Afib is a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm. Leg weakness can be due to systemic disease, inflammatory conditions, or medication side effects. I stopped taking it about", "Hi @strengthaxle66 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Why atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) matters. This can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other conditions. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2022. Braswell Pickering EA. All rights reserved. Treatment is typically a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgery. If you have AFib, the most common place your blood clot may travel is your brain. Some people with atrial fibrillation (A-fib) don't notice any symptoms. If you have a myxoma, you will need to have it removed surgically. In some cases when atrial fibrillation can't be controlled, the conduction node between the atria and the . The cause of the condition isnt known, but its often triggered by an infection, such the stomach flu or a respiratory infection. Hospitalist put me on Eliquis, 5mg 2X/day. . (2016, September 13), Another complication of AFib: heart failure, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, How you can avoid the complications of atrial fibrillation, my.clevelandclinic.org/services/heart/disorders/heart-failure/living-with-heart-failure, heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/AboutArrhythmia/Prevention-Strategies-for-Atrial-Fibrillation-AFib-or-AF_UCM_423784_Article.jsp#.WD8tl5Knbmg, heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/AboutArrhythmia/Treatment-Guidelines-of-Atrial-Fibrillation-AFib-or-AF_UCM_423779_Article.jsp#.WD8xNJKnbmg, heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/AboutArrhythmia/What-is-Atrial-Fibrillation-AFib-or-AF_UCM_423748_Article.jsp, nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hf/, heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/AboutArrhythmia/Why-Atrial-Fibrillation-AF-or-AFib-Matters_UCM_423776_Article.jsp, Atrial Fibrillation: Facts, Statistics, and You, Atrial Fibrillation Blood Clots: Symptoms and Prevention, How Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers May Interfere With Pacemakers and Implanted Devices, Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Found in 1 on 5 Ischemic Stroke Survivors, 5 Apple Watch Features That Can Help You Monitor Your Heart Health. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Your doctor may also call this coronary artery disease. Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group. At Another Johns Hopkins Member Hospital: Masks are required inside all of our care facilities, COVID-19 testing locations on Maryland.gov, Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Fibrillation: Prevention Treatment and Research. Reduced ability to exercise. Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism can lead to heart failure. You may feel weak and dizzy. Seek professional help for mental health conditions such as. Or find someone who can get emergency medical help for you. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Heart failure occurs when your heart is unable to pump blood efficiently. Certain drugs could also make your symptoms worse. That can make it harder for your ticker to pump. This content does not have an Arabic version. These are warning signs that a stroke may occur in the future. Other signs and symptoms of stroke include: sudden confusion difficulty speaking sudden, severe headache drooping of one. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Signs of hypothyroidism include weight gain, feelings of weakness, and sleepiness. Within a few weeks my Cardiologist did an ablation and inserted a loop recorder. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. This process uses energy to make little scars in your heart tissue so that irregular signals do not affect your heart. It has now been four+ years since I was first put on 5mg Eliquis 2x/day, complaining frequently to my 2013-2020 primary and to my 2021++ primary [change due to insurance changing], and to my Cardiologist about my leg weakness. The risk appears to be higher the longer you smoke and decreases if you quit. (2016, August 4), What is atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF)? When blood isnt circulating through your body properly, blood clots are more likely to form. Having AFib also puts you at a higher risk for additional disorders that affect your hearts rhythm. Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. You may sweat a lot. Sometimes the cause is unknown. You may experience additional symptoms. (n.d.). Its dangerous to drive after a stroke because your symptoms could get worse while youre on the road. Learn about the types of strokes and their symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. However, AFib can be long-lasting even permanent. Still kept me on it despite my every three months office checkups with EKG, and annual stress test never detecting Afib. Other conditions can also cause leg weakness or difficulty walking. I don't miss my advil now. Having AFib increases your risk for stroke. red, irritated eyes. The normal range for a heart rate is 60 to 100 beats a minute. Hi ajnewyork.In answer to your question, my niece remarked to me one day that she had done this because of her joint pain and she received almost immediate relief. A person with atrial fibrillation may also have a related heart rhythm problem called atrial flutter. If you experience Afib symptoms at night, talk to your health care provider. Signs of a myxoma include difficulty breathing, chest congestion, atrial fibrillation, weakness, fainting, fevers, and general achiness. Ask your doctor if there's a safe amount of alcohol you can drink. Read more about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. 2019; doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0213198. Catheter ablation. While this condition isn't fatal in itself, it can lead to potentially. If the disease gets worse, it can bring on symptoms like: If you have an ongoing lung disease, especially emphysema (damaged air sacs), it might make you more likely to get atrial fibrillation. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, AFib and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know, Pain or tingling in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or belly, Have a fast heartbeat, even while you rest, Chest pain that may get worse when youre active, Fainting or feeling like you might pass out, Chest pain or discomfort that usually gets worse when you take a deep breath or, Weakness, especially in your arms and thighs, Fainting or feeling like youre going to pass out, Trouble breathing that gets worse during exercise, Chest pain, especially during exercise or a stressful time. In a typical heart, a tiny cluster of cells at the sinus node sends out an electrical signal. Accessed Aug. 2, 2021. Although atrial flutter is a different arrhythmia, the treatment is quite similar to atrial fibrillation. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. I know this doesn't help you but I am surprised that your physicians never considered Eliquis as a culprit. It can affect people of any age, but is more common in women under the age of 40 and men older than 60. An infection may be present. If you develop symptoms of heart failure, make an appointment with your doctor. (n.d.). WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Share your story to let others with know theyre not alone. Sensations of a fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeat (palpitations). Some people dont get symptoms of hyperthyroidism, but the signs can include: This is linked to worse odds of getting AFib, especially if you dont keep your blood sugar in check over the long term. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The longer you wait, the worse the effects of your stroke could be. MS can cause a wide range of symptoms that vary from person to person. But if treatment keeps heart disease in check, your chances of getting atrial fibrillation from it are much lower. (2018). Your body uses a great deal of energy as your heart contracts quickly. Read about causes, seeing a doctor. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call 911 or go to a nearby emergency room to seek medical care immediately. I am, unfortunately, a naive patient. By: Jay Jagannathan, MD, FAANS. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Mayo Clinic. Its the most common complication after heart surgery, according to the American Heart Association. Often, both types of weakness occur simultaneously. https://www.hrsonline.org/guide-atrial-fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation can increase your chance of developing dangerous blood clots. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness in your voluntary skeletal muscles. If they break away from there, they'll travel down to the left ventricle. Accessed Aug. 2, 2021. women under the age of 40 and men older than 60, ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Amyotrophic-Lateral-Sclerosis-ALS-Fact-Sheet, ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Guillain-Barre-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/symptoms-causes/syc-20354095, ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Myasthenia-Gravis-Fact-Sheet, aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Spinal-Tumors, foundationforpn.org/what-is-peripheral-neuropathy/causes/toxins/, apdaparkinson.org/article/understanding-weakness-parkinsons-disease/, parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons, foundationforpn.org/what-is-peripheral-neuropathy/peripheral-neuropathy/, nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Who-Gets-MS, Everything You Need to Know About Muscle Stiffness, What You Should Know About Primary Lateral Sclerosis, pain thats worse when standing or sitting, drooping of one side of the face or uneven smile, prickling or pins and needles sensations in your wrists, fingers, ankles, and toes, problems controlling your bladder or bowels, small handwriting or other writing changes, muscle weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet, difficulty walking or performing daily tasks. Its an electrical disorder that causes rapid electrical signals that may reach hundreds of beats per minute. Rarely, the underlying cause may be a serious medical condition requiring immediate medical attention. Fluid also can build up in the feet, ankles, and legs, causing heart-failure related weight gain." If you're not controlling your heart condition, you are setting yourself up for fatigue, as well as other complications. Guillain-Barr syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder in which your immune system attacks your nerves, causing tingling and weakness that usually begins in the feet and legs. Over time, uncontrolled high BP can raise your chances of getting atrial fibrillation. A pinched nerve in the spine can cause leg weakness and/or numbness. Irregular pumping of the heart can also cause fluid to back up in the lungs. Last medically reviewed on March 20, 2019. Different people experience palpitations differently, but theyre often described as: When the heart doesnt pump blood as it should, fluid can build up in the lungs, making it harder to breathe. Here well discuss 11 common causes of leg weakness and other symptoms you need to know. (2018). Symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Non-drug ways you can manage your condition. The weakness can spread quickly and eventually paralyze the whole body if not treated right away. Do not drive yourself there. Over time, Afib can contribute to heart attack or heart failure. Understanding weakness in Parkinsons disease. (Kaiser, 2007 second edition) Your doctor can order imaging studies if this rare condition is suspected. Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of your body. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Some people with atrial fibrillation (Afib) dont have any symptoms at all. Generally, a pinched nerve starts with mild or moderate tingling or discomfort and it can slowly get worse. nausea. Early treatment can reduce the risk of long-term complications. Here are some basic heart-healthy tips: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Then exhale slowly through the mouth with your lips puckered like youre about to blow out a candle. Accessed Aug. 2, 2021. Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related. You might not even know you have the condition in which your heartbeat is irregular and too fast. Its most often diagnosed in people aged 20 to 50. Aug. 24, 2021. Hypothyroidism is effectively treated with medication. I added your question to the Heart Rhythm Conditions group as well. red skin lesions, often with a purple center. You may feel weak if your atrial fibrillation is not well controlled. Learn about causes of uneven hips, such as scoliosis. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Most blood clots from AFib go to your brain, but not all. In MS, your immune system attacks the myelin, which is the protective sheath around your nerves. Doctors often recommend them as a means to avoid radiation and surgical intervention. In some cases, they may suggest surgery or other procedures. Are you depressed? Stanford Hospital & Clinic. Though high blood pressure is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation, the irregular pumping of the heart can also lead to an unsafe sudden drop in blood pressure or contribute to persistent low blood pressure. This can make you more likely to get atrial fibrillation compared to someone at a healthy weight. (2016, October 18), Why atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) matters. Any thoughts on improvement time frame? Medications which are used to treat hyperthyroidism are not always effective. Symptoms include: With AFib, you may have a buildup of fluid in your legs, ankles, and feet.