Athens, Ga. (September 23, 2024) – September marks National Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), AFib is an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), a condition where the heart beats in an uneven, often fast, way. When a heart is in AFib, it may not pump enough oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, which can lead to other heart-related complications.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that 12.1 million people in the U.S. will have AFib by 2030. While it is the most common type of arrhythmia, many people do not know they have AFib until they are at a routine doctor’s appointment or they are hospitalized for complications caused by AFib. Compared to people without, those with AFib have a five-times-greater risk of stroke, three-times-greater risk of heart failure, and two-times-greater risk of dementia.
Board-certified electrophysiologist and cardiologist Kent Nilsson, M.D., who practices at Piedmont Athens Regional, says it’s important for individuals to learn more about atrial fibrillation because, without treatment, AFib can lead to blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.
Symptoms of AFib may include:
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- Skipped heartbeats
- Chest palpitations (common)
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Confusion
- Extreme fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain, or angina (seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room)
“Each patient may have different symptoms. Some describe AFib as feeling like skipped heartbeats; some as an erratic heartbeat or simply a rapid heartbeat; and some describe strong heart palpitations while for others it feels like a fluttering, like butterflies or even a flopping fish in their chest. Some patients don’t have any symptoms at all,” says Dr. Nilsson. “But, if you are experiencing any symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with a cardiologist as soon as possible.”
Dr. Nilsson also recommends seeing your primary care physician (PCP) annually and being aware of any factors that may increase your risk of AFib, including high blood pressure, a prior heart attack or heart disease diagnosis, diabetes, sleep apnea, or prior heart surgery. Monitoring these risk factors may prevent AFib from developing.
In addition to annual physicals with your PCP, Dr. Nilsson recommends self-monitoring your heart at home, and, if necessary, checking it daily.
“If you notice your heart rate is greater than 110bpm at rest and/or it feels like it's beating irregularly, it’s time to visit and talk with your doctor about it,” explains Dr. Nilsson.
While AFib is serious, Dr. Nilsson says early detection and management are key.
“People can live long, healthy, and active lives with AFib. Controlling your risk factors for heart disease, and stroke and knowing what can trigger your AFib can help improve your long-term management of AFib. The most important thing you can do is work with your doctor to make sure you’re doing all you can to prevent complications that could occur because of AFib,” says Dr. Nilsson.