Atrial Fibrillation—What Every Person Should Know About Risk Factors, Symptoms and Treatments

By Edward Gerstenfeld, M.D.

In part two of our series developed in partnership with the Heart Rhythm Society, this week’s column will focus on Atrial Fibrillation, commonly referred to as AFib. This is the most prevalent type of irregular heartbeat and impacts approximately 2.5 million people in the United States.[1] AFib occurs when the electrical impulses in the upper chambers of the heart (called the atria) become erratic, replacing the normal regular rhythm. This causes the atria to quiver instead of beating, leading to poor blood flow in these chambers and loss of synchrony between them. As a result, the pulse rate becomes fast and irregular.

Healthy people with no other medical problems can develop AFib. However AFib is more likely to occur when one or more of the following conditions are present:

• Older age
• Diabetes, thyroid disease or chronic lung disease
• Other heart problems, such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure and more
• Sleep apnea
• The use of alcohol or stimulants to excess
• A serious illness or infection

AFib symptoms vary widely—some people can tell as soon as an episode begins while many experience no symptoms at all. Symptoms often vary based on the patient’s age and the cause of the AFib. The most common symptom of AFib is a lack of energy or a constant feeling of being overtired. Other symptoms can include:

• A pulse that is faster than normal or changing between fast and slow
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Trouble with everyday exercises or activities
• Pain, pressure, tightness or discomfort in your chest
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
• Increased urination

There is often confusion about what AFib actually feels like. Some patients say it feels like a “fish flopping in my chest,” while others describe the sensation as “drums pounding” or “thunder rumbling.” All of these feelings can be warning signs of AFib.

While AFib is not in and of itself dangerous, if left untreated, those suffering from irregular heartbeats are five times more likely to suffer a stroke.[2]In addition, the condition can severely depreciate an individual's quality of life, causing heart palpitations, chronic fatigue and debilitating pain.

The good news is that there are successful treatment options that physicians can explore to control the irregular heartbeat, prevent additional damage to the heart and in some cases, cure the arrhythmia entirely. These treatments can include:

·         Oral medications—anti-arrhythmic or rate control medications that help maintain a normal heart rhythm.

·         Cardioversion—a procedure in which an electrical current, or shock, is given to the heart muscle to restore the normal rhythm.

·         Catheter ablation—a procedure consisting of physicians guiding a thin, flexible catheter throughout the heart to determine the origin of the AFib. Once this area is identified physicians use radiofrequency, cryo or laser energy to destroy the tissue in the heart causing the AFib.

·         Pacemakers—a device permanently implanted under the skin to regulate the rhythm of the heart to reduce the frequency of AFib.

If you suffer from any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor to assess your risk and discuss potential treatment options. To learn more about AFib, please visit the Heart Rhythm Society’s AFib website: http://www.MyAfib.org or stop by HRS’ free Cardiovascular Wellness event on Wednesday, May 7 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Crocker Galleria. The event will include free cardiovascular risk assessments and will feature several local physicians, who will be available to answer questions. There will also be free yoga demonstrations at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. as well as exhibits from other local organizations.

[1]http://www.hrsonline.org/patientinfo/heartrhythmdisorders/afib/

[2]http://www.hrsonline.org/News/AF-awareness/index.cfm