For many people, A-fib may have no symptoms. Mayo Clinic Staff. It's also not uncommon to experience irritability and muscle weakness during previously routine activities. Headache, dizziness,an inability to speak or smile, confusion, visual disturbances, or balance issues are signs of a stroke. For example, your right arm may feel weak after bowling. I stopped taking it about 10 days ago and feel a little better. Thats why youre more likely to develop heart failure if you have AFib. ", CardioSmart: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Weight Loss and Exercise are Critical for Obese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation., Johns Hopkins Medicine: Sick Sinus Syndrome., CDC: Venous Thromboembolism (Blood Clots), Diabetes Symptoms.. Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding others. Dizziness and fainting are symptoms of many different medical conditions, including Afib. If you develop symptoms of heart failure, make an appointment with your doctor. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Atrial fibrillation. (3) Sent him the Bristol-Meyers Squibb link to the rare but severe side effects of Eliquis; was news to him! This can make you more likely to get atrial fibrillation compared to someone at a healthy weight. It may affect one or both sides. Because the heart is unable to pump blood adequately, patients with AFib often experience swollen feet or hands. It may feel like pressure or squeezing. Beta blocking heart medications may be recommended as well. Everyone gets tired from time to time, but the fatigue that accompanies a heart condition like Afib is often described as: The fatigue might be long term, or you might feel an intense exhaustion after an Afib attack. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. The cause of the condition isnt known, but its often triggered by an infection, such the stomach flu or a respiratory infection. Chest pain could mean that you're having a heart attack. AFib may also be brought on by untreated related conditions, such as high blood pressure. Those valves open and close in sequence as your heart fills with blood and then pumps to ensure blood flows into and through your heart and back out to the rest of your body. A meta-analysis. Those who do have atrial fibrillation symptoms may have signs and symptoms such as: If you have any signs or symptoms of atrial fibrillation, make an appointment with your doctor. A pinched nerve in the spine can cause leg weakness and/or numbness. Catheter ablation. Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. . 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. Medications and physical therapy can help reduce muscle loss caused by Parkinsons disease. Retrieved from, Prevention strategies for atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF). Weakness in your leg (s) may occur from problems in the nerves and/or muscles in your lower body and is usually treatable. Its linked to worse odds of getting atrial fibrillation, especially in the first 6 months after you got a blood clot. . In atrial fibrillation, the chaotic heart rhythm can cause blood to collect in the heart's upper chambers (atria) and form clots. I was asked by my physicians if I was experiencing weakness but the answer was always no. All Rights Reserved. Weakness If you have AFib, you may have symptoms of a stroke without knowing that you have a blood clot. May I ask if you went off of dairy, gluten and". Blessings to you and I pray that you find a solution. To understand the causes of A-fib, it may be helpful to know how the heart typically beats. There are many medications used to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib). WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. From there, the clot will move throughout the arteries, which carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. A slipped disc occurs when the gelatinous substance inside the discs that cushion your vertebrae protrudes through a tear in the exterior, causing pain. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Did they recommend something to take instead? Note the time that stroke symptoms started. A heart monitor can be used to diagnose sick sinus syndrome. Can you make AFIB go away? . Still kept me on it despite my every three months office checkups with EKG, and annual stress test never detecting Afib. We avoid using tertiary references. The longer you wait, the worse the effects of your stroke could be. If the slipped disc compresses a nearby nerve, it can cause pain and numbness along the affected nerve, often down your leg. According to the American Heart Association, people with AFib are about five times more likely to experience a stroke than the average person. It's also not uncommon to experience irritability and muscle weakness during previously routine activities. Treatment involves medication to relieve nerve pain and limiting exposure to the toxin. Treatment for atrial fibrillation may include medications, therapy to reset the heart rhythm and catheter procedures to block faulty heart signals. If you have AFib, the most common place your blood clot may travel is your brain. Read on to find out the effects atrial fibrillation can have on the body. This content does not have an English version. You experience loss of bladder or bowel control. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is one of the types that starts suddenly and goes away own on its own. information submitted for this request. It is attempting to restore equilibrium. 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. You may experience additional symptoms. When to see a doctor Talk to your doctor if you have difficulty: Breathing Seeing Swallowing Chewing Walking Using your arms or hands Holding up your head https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation. Back pain, which is worse at night or increases with activity, is the most common symptom. If this occurs, contact your doctor, or go to an emergency room. Atrial fibrillation. Had been, and still am, on minimal meds. Notify your doctor so that tests can be conducted, if you think that you may have sick sinus syndrome. However, several conditions may cause weakness if you have atrial fibrillation. National Cancer Institute: Structure of the Heart, NCI Dictionaries. But others experience signs and symptoms of Afib occasionally or frequently. Here's why and what you should be looking for. Slurred Speech Slurred speech is a symptom of poor blood flowto your brain and other essential organs. Arrhythmia. Myasthenia gravis can also cause weakness in your neck, arms and legs. Wait for emergency responders to drive you to the hospital. Yep, naive. By December 2017 I needed to be wheelchair pushed through an Ice Sculpture display as there was no way I could walk the 25-30 minutes of the exhibit. The pain has reduced at least 75%. She has a PhD in natural health and is a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild. These include: Knowing the signs of a stroke If you believe youre having a stroke, the National Stroke Association suggests using the term FAST to help you recognize common stroke symptoms. If you do, they usually show up when you exercise. 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. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Its a progressive neurological disease that damages nerve cells and often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in the legs. Many people with sleep apnea also have AFib. Sometimes, pain and weakness can become severe. Fatigue and weakness. Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia. Its also not uncommon to experience irritability and muscle weakness during previously routine activities. You might also notice Afib at night more easily if youre resting or being quiet. These signals interfere with the ability of the upper chambers to contract in an organized way. Those who do have atrial fibrillation symptoms may have signs and symptoms such as: Sensations of a fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeat (palpitations) Chest pain Dizziness Fatigue Lightheadedness Reduced ability to exercise Shortness of breath Weakness Atrial fibrillation may be: Occasional (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation). The pain may spread to the upper back, arms, neck or ears. I am sorry you are having an adverse reaction. This means your kidneys dont filter your blood as well as they used to, and without treatment they could eventually stop working. Accessed Aug. 2, 2021. This is when your throat muscles repeatedly relax and block your airway while you sleep, making your breathing stop and start. Exposure to secondhand smoke, even in the womb, can increase a child's risk of developing atrial fibrillation. https://www.eliquis.bmscustomerconnect.com/afib/faq ( Look about 60% of the way down the pages.) Learn about the similarities and differences between these two conditions. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Use pursed lip breathing: Inhale through the nose with the mouth closed. All rights reserved. Weakness, particularly of one side of the body, may be a sign of a stroke. Having AFib also puts you at a higher risk for additional disorders that affect your hearts rhythm. Toxic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by toxic substances, such as cleaning chemicals, insecticides and pesticides, and lead. At this point, quality of life (the HOPE of being able to improve my leg strength and my ability to walk better by eliminating Eliquis completely) outweighs the minimal risk of clot/stroke. Accessed Aug. 2, 2021. For example: Its also important to take steps to maintain good mental health. ", looking for issues similar to mine. In atrial fibrillation, the signals in the upper chambers of the heart are chaotic. Here well discuss 11 common causes of leg weakness and other symptoms you need to know. Then exhale slowly through the mouth with your lips puckered like youre about to blow out a candle. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/atrial_fibrillation.htm. I added your question to the Heart Rhythm Conditions group as well. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Youll need to know what your blood pressure numbers are and if theyre too high. 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. These are warning signs that a stroke may occur in the future. Did you inform your physician that you were going off of the medication? Sometimes weakness resolves on its own. a tumor on the spine. Heart failure occurs when your heart is unable to pump blood efficiently. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Venous thromboembolism can become a chronic condition for some people. Living with heart failure. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/catheter-ablation. An infection may be present. There are times when I want a treat and will add some cheese to my salad or a very small cup of ice cream. (2016, August 4), What is atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF)? If the tumor presses on a nerve, it can cause numbness or weakness in the arms, legs, or chest. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, 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, Symptoms of Blood Clots and Stroke With Atrial Fibrillation, How to Prevent Blood Clots That Can Cause Stroke, AFib and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know, Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, Confusion or problems talking or understanding people. An arrhythmia is an abnormal electrical pattern within the heart which causes your heart to beat differently than normal. Blood clots usually form in the left atrium, or upper left part, of your heart. So, it's essential to learn the warning signs and to share them with your family and friends. I added your question to the Heart Rhythm Conditions group as well. (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. Can You Lose Weight Faster by Exercising on an Empty Stomach? Have you checked with your pharmacist to enquire if any of your medications could make you feel weak? We learn from each other. Two types of Weakness If you experience weakness, be sure to give your health care provider a clear description of what is occurring. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. View an animation of heart failure. This may help you feel better and can prevent injury from falling. See how much you know about abnormal heart rhythm. Treatment for Pagets disease depends on the type. Sometimes weakness resolves on its own. In the meantime, here are 2 related discussions you may wish to review. Ask your doctor if there's a safe amount of alcohol you can drink. You may get some relief by resting. This is important because some treatments only work if the stroke was within a certain time period. Ascending stairs or walking uphill this can make any movement difficult for a person with this health condition. Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of your body. privacy practices. Blood can even pool within the heart. When I finally got to see a Neurologist at Shands (Univ of FL, Gainesville) in July 2018, he ran an extensive battery of blood work tests but could find nothing to explain the muscle weakness. I am very drug sensitive. Other signs and symptoms of stroke include: If you or someone else is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. I have never had muscle weakness and since my ablation in May of this year, I changed my diet completely. Have you been eating a healthy diet? 2023 NewLifeOutlook All rights reserved. It may occur as a result of medication. Other health conditions also may increase your risk of a stroke due to A-fib, including: Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation. The warning signs may appear gradually. I might add that I stretch, use light weights and walk daily. The more severe someones heart failure is, the more likely they might be to get atrial fibrillation. You might find an overall reduced ability to exercise due to the effects of AFib. Rapid or irregular heartbeat. All rights reserved. PLoS One. Hopefully this isn't just my wishful thinking! Angina is chest pain caused by a reduced blood supply to the heart. Angina may last for a while or come and go. The sinus node is the heart's natural pacemaker. Surgery to remove the tumor, or radiation therapy or chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, can usually resolve leg weakness. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Its a condition in which your heart doesnt beat normally. Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is also known as Lou Gehrigs disease. Share your story to let others with know theyre not alone. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, Caregiving for someone with atrial fibrillation, Catheter ablation to isolate the pulmonary veins to treat atrial fibrillation. This sends a high-energy shock to your heart in order to regulate your heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots in the heart. Learn their similarities and differences. Heart failure signs and symptoms may include: Shortness of breath with activity or when lying down. (2016). Stay up-to-date with all the latest news, articles, and updates from your community! Sensations of a fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeat (palpitations). If you have chest pain, seek immediate medical help. Sudden leg weakness could be a sign of a serious medical issue, such as a stroke. Sick sinus syndrome is a type of disorder which sometimes accompanies atrial fibrillation. Medications which are used to treat hyperthyroidism are not always effective. The lack of blood supply can cause dizzy spells or lightheadedness. 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. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Clots can stop the blood flow to your brain and possibly cause a stroke. Causes of spinal compression include: scoliosis, which is an abnormal curvature of the spine. That can make it harder for your ticker to pump. Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. A clot that forms in the atria can travel to the brain.If it gets stuck in an artery, it can block blood flow and cause a stroke.. AFib medicines bring your heart back into a normal rhythm . Its common to have no symptoms of coronary disease. 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. When you have AFib, its important to work closely with your doctor to manage your symptoms and reduce your risk of complications. Over time, Afib can contribute to heart attack or heart failure. You may feel weak and dizzy. Treatments for MS, including medication and physical therapy, can help you regain strength in your legs and slow progression of the disease. Early treatment for stroke can improve your prognosis. Weakness can mean that you are experiencing a general feeling of fatigue. If you experience Afib symptoms at night, talk to your health care provider. Atrial fibrillation may alternate with other patterns of electrical activity. If you have a myxoma, you will need to have it removed surgically. Stay away from foods heavy in fat, sugar, and salt. As a result, the upper chambers shake (quiver). Your body uses a great deal of energy as your heart contracts quickly. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Reddy VY, et al. That way, they can help, if you start to show symptoms. Read more about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. You are more likely to develop sick sinus syndrome if you have had a heart attack. (1) "Had" an adverse reaction; legs recovered quickly after going off Eliquis. If you have episodes of angina, pay attention to these factors. Within a month my leg muscles were weakening to the point where I could no longer play Pickleball or walk golf. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Call for help immediately and get to an emergency room. Afib may be detected during a physical examination or during a test for another medical condition. If sick sinus syndrome brings on symptoms, you might have ones like: You might be more likely to have either of these mental health conditions with atrial fibrillation. I thoughtwhat can it hurt? Hi @strengthaxle66 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It starts in the atria the heart's upper chambers, and is caused by an electrical problem there. These complications can occur from decreased pumping action and passive blood flow. The signal travels from the sinus node through the two upper heart chambers (atria). Accessed July 6, 2021. Guillain-Barr syndrome fact sheet. Should I make changes to my diet if I've been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation? You may sweat a lot. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Although atrial flutter is a different arrhythmia, the treatment is quite similar to atrial fibrillation. If you have atrial fibrillation (Afib), your heart has episodes when it beats irregularly. Most blood clots from AFib go to your brain, but not all. So I tried it and experienced relief also. 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. However, AFib can be long-lasting even permanent. 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. Review/update the Your weakness is accompanied by sudden, severe pain in your back or leg. Signs of hypothyroidism include weight gain, feelings of weakness, and sleepiness. Other symptoms include: MS is a lifelong condition that can include periods of relapses of symptoms that are followed by periods of remission, or it can be progressive. Exercise.Working out will help you lose weight and lower your blood pressure. Can Atrial Fibrillation Cause an Enlarged Heart? 7th ed. 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. Ferri FF. AFib can happen from any type of problem that changes the way the heart handles electricity. Write them down and share them with your doctor: Afib chest pain can be similar to the chest pain that occurs during a heart attack. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. If you have atrial fibrillation, you may have an elevated risk for having a stroke if you develop sick sinus syndrome. Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib or AF, is an electrical disorder of the upper chambers of the heart. This can happen because of injury or age-related degenerative changes in the spine. All rights reserved. Lifestyle measures can help make a difference, too. In that case, the problem may resolve without further intervention. Learn more: Vaccines, Boosters & Additional Doses | Testing | Patient Care | Visitor Guidelines | Coronavirus. numbness or weakness on one side of your body, loss of balance or coordination or a sudden inability to walk, sudden difficulty seeing, especially in only one eye, suddenly feelings of confusion or disorientation, fluid buildup and swelling in your abdomen, legs, and ankles. Treatment is typically a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgery. If you feel dizzy or faint, sit or lie down. A person with atrial fibrillation may also have a related heart rhythm problem called atrial flutter. Non-drug ways you can manage your condition. Petryszyn P, et al. Heart failure can be ongoing (chronic), or it may start suddenly (acute). Treatments are informed by the latest research. Avoid tobacco products and second-hand smoke. That can raise your odds for AFib. If a blood clot is in your arm or leg, youll most likely notice: If there is clotting in your abdomen, you may: If you think you might have a blood clot anywhere in your body, it's serious. Some studies suggest that stress and mental health issues may cause your atrial fibrillation symptoms to worsen. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. The drugs slow down the heart rate and decrease episodes of atrial fibrillation. See here: Apixaban (Oral Route) Side Effects Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/apixaban-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20060729?p=1. While theres no cure, treatments can help improve quality of life. Find more COVID-19 testing locations on Maryland.gov. Non-drug ways you can manage your condition. But some of the signs are: This is when your heart muscle thickens, making the four chambers inside it smaller. Still weak. Looking for swelling in your feet or legs to identify heart failure. (2018). You. By November 2017 I needed a walker. Notify your health care provider promptly if you have feelings of generalized weakness, or if fluid accumulates in your legs or other parts of your body. Experiencing night sweats (excessive sweating while you sleep), Waking up with an odd sensation in your chest, Having feelings of anxiety when you wake up, Difficulty talking, such as slurred words, Numbnessor weakness in the face, arm or leg, particularly if its only on one side of the body. (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. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). From 5-minute hacks to lifelong practices, heres the quick guide to eliminating stress and reaching your. Leg weakness can be due to systemic disease, inflammatory conditions, or medication side effects. Learn about diagnosis and treatment for AFib with RVR. Leg weakness should always be evaluated by a doctor as it may be caused by a serious underlying condition that requires treatment. Weak neck muscles make it hard to hold up your head. People will often feel tired right after one. Strokes related to AFib are about twice as likely to cause death and disability as strokes from other causes. You may also notice increased urination. Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. These factors are some of the most likely causes of weakness. Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related. I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis (IC), a painful bladder disorder, when I was 16 and followed a strict recommended diet to keep my pain down. Atrial fibrillation. While this condition isn't fatal in itself, it can lead to potentially. What causes weakness in legs? In late July 2017 I was admitted for very high heart rate and Afib. Both help make strokes less likely. Thyroid disease is a common diagnosis. Congestive heart failure is a type of heart failure which requires seeking timely medical attention, although sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably. For the next 2-1/2 years the loop recorder saw MINIMAL Afib, under 0.5%; the ablation did its job.