What’s that funny feeling in my heart? Think you have A-fib?
September is A-fib awareness month, a perfect time to talk about a disease that many overlook.
Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots in the heart. The exact cause of A-fib is unknown, but it becomes more common with age and affects certain groups of people more than others. A-fib is common in people with other heart conditions, such as: high blood pressure.
When a person has A-fib the normal beating in the upper chambers of the heart is irregular, and blood doesn't flow as well as it should from the upper to the lower chambers of the heart. A-fib may happen in brief episodes, or it may be a permanent condition.
There is no cure for continual A-fib, but treatment can slow or prevent symptoms, making it easier for you to manage the condition. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol can also help reduce abnormal heart rhythms and prevent complications. A-fib can be controlled with medicine, non-surgical, and surgical procedures, and by lowering risk factors listed above.
Untreated A-fib doubles the risk of heart-related deaths and is associated with a five times greater risk for stroke, yet many people are unaware that A-fib is a serious condition.
If you think you might have signs of A-fib, talk to your primary care provider today.
CLICK HERE to reach our A-fib webpage.
CLICK HERE for a full guidebook about A-fib.
For more information on treatment options, visit the American Hospital Association.