AFib or Atrial Fibrillation affects approximately 11 million adults in the U.S., according to the American College of Cardiology. While it can be a serious and potentially life-threatening illness, there are many ways, with proper management, that most people with AFib can continue to live normal lives.
What is AFib?
AFib is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that arises from the top chambers of the heart, or the atria. Dianna Gaballa, MD, FACC, Cardiologist at Highland Medical, Advanced Cardiovascular Care, shares, “The atria beat chaotically and prevent the heart from pumping blood effectively. This type of rhythm abnormality can increase your risk of stroke and congestive heart failure.” There are two types of AFib: non-valvular and valvular. Non-valvular AFib is more common. “AFib can also be classified by how long it lasts. Paroxysmal AFib comes and goes in episodes, while persistent AFib usually lasts for more than a week,” says Dr. Gaballa.
Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
“Older adults and individuals with a family history are more likely to develop AFib”, says Dr. Gaballa. “Lifestyle habits such as heavy alcohol use and physical inactivity, or chronic conditions like thyroid disease, sleep apnea, obesity, high blood pressure, and heart valve disease can all increase your risk of developing atrial fibrillation.” Being aware of the following symptoms is essential, as they could be indicative of AFib: shortness of breath, rapid/fluttering heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, weakness, and fatigue. A visit to your primary care physician or cardiologist may result in an EKG or the use of a wearable monitor to diagnose atrial fibrillation.
Treatment
Depending on the severity and duration of your symptoms, your cardiologist may recommend different treatment options. Medications that slow the heartbeat, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, are frequently used treatments. Some patients will require a special type of blood thinner called anticoagulation to decrease their risk of stroke. “There are some common side effects of these medications, such as a very slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, fatigue or dizziness, and easy bruising and bleeding for those on blood thinners”, says Dr. Gaballa. “It is important that patients are periodically monitored and that they consult their cardiologist should symptoms from these medications arise.” Patients being treated for AFib should keep alcohol and caffeine to a minimum and work with their physician to address and treat underlying conditions that can worsen Atrial Fibrillation.
Procedures can be performed to treat AFib, such as electrical cardioversion or catheter ablation, which help restore the normal heart rhythm. An AFib catheter ablation uses heat or extreme cold to create tiny scar tissue in the heart, disrupting abnormal electrical activity. “An AFib ablation can be considered when medication or electrical cardioversions have failed to control symptoms,” says Dr. Gaballa.
With proper treatment, AFib can be managed and controlled. To avoid AFib, Dr. Gaballa encourages patients to maintain a healthy BMI, exercise regularly, follow a heart-healthy diet, manage stress levels, and limit their alcohol intake.
To schedule an appointment with a cardiologist, call 845-268-0880 or visit highlandmedical.co/cardiology for more information.
Highland Medical Advanced Cardiovascular Care is located at
2 Medical Park Drive, Suite 3, West Nyack, NY
