Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, is a common heart condition that impacts millions of people worldwide. Almost 10% of Americans above the age of 65 have atrial fibrillation. Despite the serious risks associated with AFib, including stroke and heart failure, nearly half of patients don’t know they have it. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and it is important to know the signs so you can receive medical treatment as soon as possible.
What Is Atrial Fibrillation?
AFib is the most common heart arrhythmia. It causes a rapid and irregular heartbeat that may occur in brief and intermittent episodes, or it can happen all the time (persistent AFib). AFib is a fast irregular rhythm that comes from the top chamber of the heart. When your top chambers beat too fast, they don’t empty blood properly and blood can pool in one area — a cavity known as the left atrial appendage. This can cause a blood clot to form, which can travel to your brain and cause a stroke. When your top chambers go too fast, your bottom chambers can also start to beat fast and irregularly, which is what usually causes the symptoms.
What Does AFib Feel Like?
AFib affects millions of Americans, but because many don’t experience any symptoms, the condition often goes undiagnosed. These patients are only diagnosed through regular exams and screenings. For those who do experience AFib symptoms, these can include irregular heartbeat or palpitations, lightheadedness or dizziness, shortness of breath, faintness or confusion, extreme fatigue, chest discomfort and even reduced cardiac function (i.e., congestive heart failure).
Many patients may dismiss these warning signs, especially if they seem to come and go or only last a short time. It’s important to never take any risks with your heart. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately — and if you are in any sort of distress, such as severe respiratory difficulty or severe lightheadedness, call 911.
Advances in AFib Treatment Options
Fortunately, advances in medical research and technology have led to new AFib treatments that offer many benefits for patients. One of the most significant technological advancements in AFib treatment that our team at Ascension St. Vincent’s has implemented is the use of catheter ablation. This involves a minimally-invasive procedure that blocks abnormal impulses that cause irregular heartbeats. Catheter ablation typically is the most effective therapy in restoring normal heart rhythm and has a very low rate of complications (less than 1% risk of serious complications). The procedure takes 1-2 hours on average, and most patients are able to go home the same day after their ablation. Several technologies are currently available for ablation at Ascension St Vincent’s, including radiofrequency (heating) and cryoablation (freezing). We are also investigating newer technological advancements such as the use of alternative non-thermal sources of energy (pulsed-field ablation) and the use of AI algorithms to develop a personalized ablation plan for each patient. These newer technologies offer the potential for even safer and more effective ablation.
Ascension St. Vincent’s was also the first site in Florida to enroll patients in a clinical trial designed to examine the effectiveness of the WATCHMAN device. The device serves as an alternative to blood thinners and reduces stroke risk in patients with AFib who cannot tolerate blood thinners long-term. It may potentially be a first-line therapy for all patients in the future.
Know the Signs and Take Control of Your AFib
If left untreated, atrial fibrillation can have serious consequences including stroke, heart failure or other heart complications. That’s why it is important to know the symptoms and monitor your heart health regularly so you can seek treatment as soon as possible. Early treatment also carries a much higher success rate at controlling atrial fibrillation. If you are experiencing symptoms of AFib, visit your primary care doctor or cardiologist as soon as possible.
Dr. Amr Barakat is a cardiac electrophysiologist at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside in Jacksonville and Ascension St. Vincent’s St Johns County. For more information on Dr. Barakat and his specialty in treating atrial fibrillation, go to ascension.org/jaxheart or call 904-388-1820 for the Riverside clinic or 904-691-9100 for the St. Johns clinic.
