by Dr. Dana Stone, Lakeside Doctors Gynecology & Obstetrics
Did you know that millions of people are living with an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation, or AFib, and many don’t even know it? AFib can increase the risk of stroke by up to five times, yet most people diagnosed (62%) had no prior knowledge of the condition, according to the American Heart Association. AFib can affect anyone and often hides without clear symptoms, so staying aware, getting checked early and starting treatment play a vital role in protecting heart health and preventing stroke.
What Is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?
AFib is a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system. The upper chambers of your heart (atria) don’t contract properly, which can cause blood to pool and potentially form clots. These clots can then travel to the brain, leading to a stroke.
The tricky part about AFib is that it can be a master of disguise. Some people may feel a racing heart, a fluttering sensation (palpitations), fatigue, shortness of breath or lightheadedness. I had a family member who exercised regularly but suddenly found himself unable to complete a normal workout. He blamed the sudden fatigue on recent travel, but soon received the diagnosis of A fib. But for many, there are no noticeable symptoms at all. These people often find out they have AFib during a routine checkup or an EKG.
What Puts You at Risk?
While you can’t always pinpoint an exact cause, AFib is often the result of a combination of factors. Some are related to your health history, while others are lifestyle-related.
Common Risk Factors include:
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Prior heart attack or heart disease
• Prior heart surgery
Lifestyle Factors:
• Sleep apnea
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Prolonged, intense athletic training
Managing AFib and Living a Full Life
While AFib isn’t considered “curable” in the traditional sense, it’s absolutely manageable. The goal of treatment is to control your heart’s rate and rhythm and, most importantly, to reduce your risk of stroke.
Your doctor may recommend various treatments, including:
Medications: These can include rate control drugs to slow your heart rate, rhythm control drugs to keep your heartbeat steady and anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent dangerous blood clots.
Medical Procedures: In some cases, procedures like cardioversion (a controlled electrical shock) or catheter ablation may be used to reset or correct the heart’s rhythm.
If you are prescribed an anticoagulant, it is vital to take it exactly as directed. These medications are your best defense against stroke. Your doctor can use tools to calculate your specific stroke risk score, which will help guide your treatment plan.
By working with your doctor and understanding your personal triggers, like caffeine, stress or a lack of sleep, you can actively participate in managing your condition. Many people with AFib live long, healthy and active lives. The key is to stay vigilant, get regular checkups and have an open conversation with your health care provider about your heart.
If you suspect you may have AFib or have any of the risk factors mentioned, don’t wait. Learn more from the American Heart Association and talk to your doctor to ensure you’re protecting your heart and your future.