Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of heartbeat irregularity (arrhythmia), affecting millions of Americans and resulting in nearly a half million hospitalizations every year. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s not serious. In fact, without prompt medical treatment, AFib can cause life-threatening complications.
Anthony B. Lewis, MD, FACC, and the team at TLC Medical Group, Inc. are skilled in diagnosing and treating atrial fibrillation, tailoring every treatment plan to each patient’s unique needs. In this post, learn the basics of AFib and why prompt treatment is vital for your health and wellness.
Your heart comprises four chambers: two upper chambers called atria and two lower chambers called ventricles. To pump blood correctly, your heart must beat in a specific pattern, filling and emptying each chamber. Valves inside your heart open and close to keep blood flowing in the right direction.
When your heart beats, blood flows into the right atrium and then into the right ventricle. The ventricle pumps blood into the lungs so the blood can absorb oxygen.
Oxygen-rich blood re-enters the heart from the lungs, filling the left atrium. Finally, blood moves into the left ventricle before being pumped into the aorta and back into circulation. Tiny electrical signals keep all these movements coordinated and timed.
Atrial fibrillation happens when this electrical signal is altered, causing the atria to flutter or quiver instead of contracting. The change in electrical signaling results in alterations in the heart’s rhythm, which can lead to serious complications.
Atrial fibrillation can cause a host of symptoms, including:
Symptoms can be subtle, and sometimes, you won’t notice them. Having regular heart checkups is important for “catching” asymptomatic AFib before it causes complications.
AFib is more than just a fluttering heartbeat. The interruption in blood flow can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications, including dangerous blood clots that can lead to stroke. In fact, people with AFib are about five times as likely to have a stroke compared to people without the condition.
The change in heart activity makes it harder for your heart to pump blood efficiently. It’s this effect that leads to symptoms of fatigue and shortness of breath while making it harder to do most types of physical activity. Over time and without proper treatment, AFib can also lead to heart failure.
Finally, prompt treatment can significantly improve your quality of life. A good AFib management plan helps avoid complications like fatigue and dizziness and reduces the risk of hospitalizations. Fewer hospitalizations mean lower healthcare costs and less strain on your budget.
Diagnosing AFib begins with a review of your personal and family medical histories to look for potential risk factors that make AFib more likely. Common risk factors include:
Dr. Lewis also conducts an exam, including an EKG, and he may prescribe other tests.
Following diagnosis, Dr. Lewis develops a treatment plan based on your needs. If your irregular heartbeat is related to lifestyle issues, like caffeine or specific medications, your symptoms may be resolved with a simple routine alteration.
In other cases, we may recommend medications to thin your blood or manage your heart rate or minimally invasive procedures to control electrical signals in your heart. Some patients benefit from pacemaker implantation. Regular checkups ensure your treatment remains optimized for your needs.
AFib can cause uncomfortable symptoms and affect your quality of life — and without prompt treatment, it can also be deadly. To learn more about how we can help you manage atrial fibrillation and improve your overall health, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Lewis and the team at TLC Medical Group in Port St. Lucie, Florida, today.
