Atrial fibrillation (also called AFib or AF) is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia in Western countries -- affecting at least 2.7 million people in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association. AFib is a serious condition, and one that I treat regularly in my practices at the Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart & Vascular Care in Bronx, New York.
During February's American Heart Month, here's some important information about AFib:
Typical Patient
AFib predominantly affects, but is not limited to, older people. This element is increasingly important because as our life expectancy continues to improve and the average age of the population increases, AFib is expected to grow and affect an estimated 50 million patients by 2060 across the U.S. and Europe. It's important to learn the facts of this condition as early as possible.
[See: The Facts on Heart Disease.]
Common Signs and Symptoms
The most common symptom of AFib is a quivering or irregular heartbeat (also known as an arrhythmia), though patients may experience palpitations, which are sensations of a racing, uncomfortable, irregular heartbeat, or a flip-flopping in your chest; lightheadedness and/or dizziness; confusion; shortness of breath and anxiety; weakness; fatigue; reduced ability to exercise; and/or chest pain or pressure. Please note, if you're experiencing chest pain or pressure, call 911 immediately.
Now that we've outlined the most commons signs and symptoms of AFib, there's one very important fact to note: Nearly one-third of AFib patients are asymptomatic. In other words, some people with AFib have no symptoms and are unaware of their condition until it's discovered during a physical examination. Because of this fact, it's crucial to schedule an annual physical exam with your doctor and understand your risks.
How to Treat It
There are a growing number of ways we can treat AFib and achieve great results. However, if left untreated, AFib can evolve from a momentary episode into a chronic, longstanding and potentially even permanent issue, causing subsequent concerns such as blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart conditions. In fact, patients with AFib are nearly five times more likely to experience a stroke those without AFib, are at an increased risk of developing dementia and have a nearly doubled risk of experiencing a heart-related death. Studies also show that individuals with AFib have an increased risk of renal disease.
It's important to discuss your risk of heart failure with your doctor, as AFib and heart failure frequently coexist and are often associated with several common predisposing risk factors. These include hypertension, coronary artery disease, structural heart disease, diabetes, obesity and obstructive sleep apnea.
[See: The 12 Best Heart-Healthy Diets.]
The Good News
There are a number of ways you can reduce your risk of developing AFib:
1. Increase your physical activity. Obesity is a significant risk factor for AFib. Consult your doctor to learn more about ways to safely increase your levels of physical activity.
2. Improve your diet. Undergo a weight-loss program and incorporate more fruits, vegetables and lean meats into your daily diet. Limit caffeine, alcohol, fats and excess salt. If necessary, consult your doctor about bariatric surgery.
3. Treat your blood pressure. Have a diet with low salt, and take your medications routinely, as hypertension increases your risk of developing AFib.
4. Treat your sleep apnea. If prescribed, remember to use your continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, mask every night. Doing so will improve your AFib.
5. Control your diabetes. If diet and exercise alone don't control your diabetes, please consult your doctor for more support and/or resources, as gaining control of your diabetes will reduce your risk of developing AFib.
6. Remember your medications. If your doctor prescribed blood thinners to you, it's important you never forget to take your medication to reduce your risk for stroke.
If you're diagnosed with AFib, there are many treatment options you can explore with your doctor, ranging from medications to minimally invasive procedures and, at times, surgery. One such procedure is a catheter ablation -- an established treatment to achieve freedom from AFib. Several randomized clinical trials have shown that catheter ablation improves symptoms and quality of life.
[See: 17 Ways Heart Health Varies in Women and Men.]
Although ablation is effective, the best outcome is achieved with a multidisciplinary approach that addresses multiple health conditions and cardiac risk factors. And remember, if you have AFib, the best outcomes are achieved if you actively care for yourself by keeping your weight down and controlling your blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea.
Consult your doctor for more information if you think you've been experiencing AFib.
Luigi Di Biase, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.A.C., F.H.R.S.,cardiologist, is the section head of electrophysiology and the director of arrhythmia services at the Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart & Vascular Care. Dr. Di Biase is also an associate professor of medicine within the Department of Medicine (Cardiology) at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Di Biase received his medical degree and completed his cardiology residency at the University of Bari in Bari, Italy. He completed a second-level master degree in Electrophysiology and Pacing at the University of Insubria in Varese, Italy, and his Ph.D. program in cardiovascular physiopathology at the University of Foggia, Italy. Dr. Di Biase's research focuses on cardiology and electrophysiology with specific emphasis on catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias performed either manually or with robotic catheter navigation. Additionally, his research focuses on heart failure, particularly cases treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy devices. Dr. Di Biase is the author of nearly 300 publications in indexed journals, 300 abstracts and 18 electrophysiology book chapters.
Read this article:
Atrial Fibrillation: Understanding Symptoms, Risks and Treatment - Yahoo News
