At some point in
life, many adults have an abnormal heart rhythm, also called an arrhythmia. The
most common type, Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), affects at least 2.7 million
Americans, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
September marks
National AFib Awareness Month, a critically important time for Aspirus Health
to raise awareness for this life-threatening condition.
AFib is an irregular
and often very fast heart rate and left untreated, can have serious
consequences.
“Experiencing AFib
may be frightening, but the attack itself is not our main concern. The real
danger is in the person’s increased risk for stroke or heart failure,” says
Aspirus Heart Care Cardiothoracic Surgeon John Johnkoski, MD. “Having some
knowledge about the condition and how to handle it if it occurs will be helpful
to both the patient and the provider.”
The AHA suggests
these important steps for anyone who thinks they may have AFib:
- Know the symptoms.
The most common symptom is a quivering or fluttering heartbeat. Others may
include fatigue, dizziness, sweating, weakness, faintness or confusion,
shortness of breath and chest pain.
- Get the right
treatment. “Arrhythmias can range from harmless to life-threatening.
Fortunately, they can often be successfully treated through a variety of
treatment options,” says Kevin Rist MD, PhD, an electrophysiologist with
Aspirus Heart Care.
Following
a proper diagnosis through an in-depth examination from a provider, they may
suggest a treatment plan that includes:
- Lifestyle changes
- Medications
- A pacemaker or
implanted defibrillator
- A catheter-based
procedure called cardiac ablation
- Surgery
- Reduce risks for
stroke and heart failure. Additional heart problems with AFib are possible, but
not inevitable. It is important to follow the treatment plan laid out by your
provider as well as maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle to help reduce your overall
risks as much as possible. AHA suggests the following:
- Get
regular physical activity
- Eat
a heart-healthy diet, low in salt, saturated fats, trans fats, and
cholesterol
- Manage high
blood pressure
- Avoid excessive
amounts of alcohol and caffeine
- Don’t smoke
- Control cholesterol
- Maintain
a healthy weight
- Treat any sleep
apnea
Knowledge is power.
Being aware of AFib, its dangers and risks can give you the upper hand when it
comes to heart health. Talk with your provider to lessen your chances of AFib
or to treat it if it occurs.
The Atrial
Fibrillation Clinic at Aspirus Heart Care provides comprehensive evaluation and
customized treatment plans to address atrial fibrillation. For more information
or to schedule an appointment email afibclinic@aspirus.org or call
715-843-1331.