Understanding Atrial Fibrillation

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that 12.1 million people in the United States will have atrial fibrillation (AFib) in 2030.

What is AFib?

AFib is an irregular or chaotic rhythm of the upper chambers of the heart. This can occur in short episodes, or it may be a permanent condition where people are always experiencing AFib. Most often, AFib presents in short episodes sporadically.

When the heart is experiencing AFib, the irregular beating can cause the blood to swirl inside the heart. Swirling of blood can cause blood clots that could travel to the brain, causing a stroke. AFib greatly increases a person’s risk of stroke. About one in seven strokes are directly related to AFib, according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC).

Symptoms and Risk Factors

Some people may not know they have AFib until they are being treated for symptoms; other times, people may experience no symptoms at all. Very often, the first time a person is being diagnosed with AFib is when they have had a stroke.

Symptoms of AFib include irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations, lightheadedness, dizziness, fatigue, chest pain and shortness of breath. The most common symptom is a heartbeat that feels like fluttering.

The risk of developing AFib increases with age; however, most often, people with AFib are genetically predisposed to the condition. Genetic AFib can present in any age group but most commonly presents over the age of 60. Sometimes AFib can be acquired much earlier in life due to risk factors. Some of these factors include untreated high blood pressure, sleep apnea, obesity, excessive caffeine, diabetes, smoking and excessive alcohol use.

Treatment and Prevention

If someone suspects they have AFib, it is important to seek care from a physician. A provider will run tests to verify if AFib is present. Some personal wearable devices, like smartwatches, can alert to irregular heart rates. These are not always reliable and should be verified by a physician for further follow-up.

If AFib is diagnosed, there are treatment options available depending on the level of AFib and how long AFib has been present. Some of these treatments include rate and rhythm control, lifestyle changes, medication, and in some cases, surgery.

Since AFib most often happens episodically, partaking in lifestyle changes can delay the onset of another episode. For patients who have untreated AFib for long periods of time, some treatment options may not be as effective. Patients who cannot take blood thinners to prevent clot formation could be eligible for the implantation of a surgical device to reduce the risk of stroke due to AFib. An electrophysiologist can discuss treatment options that work best for each patient’s specific needs.