Most of us have felt our heart race from time to time. But when an irregular heartbeat keeps happening, or happens without us even realizing it, it may signal a condition that deserves attention.
Atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib, is a common sustained heart rhythm disorder. As a cardiac electrophysiologist caring for patients here in Northeast Florida, I see firsthand why understanding AFib matters: It isn’t simply an irregular heartbeat. It can increase a person’s risk of stroke and other serious complications.
September is AFib Awareness Month, making this an important time to understand your risk and know that treatment options are available.
AFib doesn't always have symptoms
AFib occurs when abnormal electrical signals cause the heart’s upper chambers to beat irregularly instead of in a normal, coordinated rhythm.
Some people know immediately that something isn’t right. They may feel their heart racing, or fluttering. Others experience shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, weakness or difficulty exercising.
But some people with AFib experience no symptoms at all. Their condition may only be discovered during a routine checkup, an electrocardiogram, or after a wearable device detects an irregular rhythm.
Risk also increases as we age, particularly after age 65. High blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and sleep apnea are among the conditions that can increase the likelihood of developing AFib.
That’s why I encourage patients throughout Northeast Florida to know their risk factors and keep up with routine medical care, even when they feel well.
AFib and stroke
One of the main reasons we take AFib seriously is its connection to stroke.
When the heart’s upper chambers aren’t contracting normally, blood can pool and potentially form a clot. If that clot travels to the brain and blocks blood flow, it can cause an ischemic stroke.
For someone diagnosed with AFib, assessing and reducing stroke risk is a critical part of treatment. Depending on the individual, that may include anticoagulant medications, commonly called blood thinners. For certain patients who cannot take these medications long term, left atrial appendage closure may provide another option for reducing stroke risk when clinically appropriate.
More treatment options than ever
The encouraging news is that AFib is manageable, and treatment options continue to advance.
Medications can help control the heart’s rate or rhythm, while lifestyle changes can also make a difference. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, managing high blood pressure and diabetes, treating sleep apnea, limiting excessive alcohol consumption and avoiding tobacco can all support better heart health.
For some patients, advanced procedures such as catheter ablation can help maintain a normal heart rhythm when clinically appropriate.
Newer technologies are giving us additional options as well. Pulsed field ablation, for example, uses brief electrical pulses to target heart tissue responsible for AFib. Advances in cardiac mapping, imaging, wearable technology and remote monitoring are also helping us detect abnormal rhythms and personalize care in a secure operating environment.
Know when to act
If you experience a new or recurring irregular heartbeat, particularly with fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath, talk with your doctor.
Chest pain or pressure, severe shortness of breath, fainting or signs of stroke require immediate medical attention.
My message to our Northeast Florida community this AFib Awareness Month is simple: Don’t dismiss an irregular heartbeat, and don’t assume that feeling fine means there isn’t a problem.
AFib can be silent, but its consequences can be serious. Knowing your risk, keeping up with routine care, and seeking evaluation when something doesn’t feel right can help us identify AFib earlier and keep you doing the things you love.
Dr. Saumil Oza, is a cardiac electrophysiologist at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside in Jacksonville.
