More than 2 million people in the United States are thought to suffer from atrial fibrillation, making it one of the most common kinds of heart arrhythmias. An arrhythmia refers to a problem with heart rate or rhythm.
According to Soo Park, MD, cardiologist with Indiana Heart Physicians, a Franciscan Physician Network practice, AFib is classically characterized by a fluttering in the chest. This disrupted heartbeat can happen at rest or when active.
Afib occurs when a malfunction in the electrical system of the heart makes the upper chambers of the heart (called the atria) beat so quickly that they twitch, skip beats or beat too quickly. This, in turn, causes the heart’s lower chambers, or ventricles, to beat in an uncoordinated way. The resulting irregular beats cause a fluttering heart rate that beats much faster than normal.
During episodes of AFib, some people can have symptoms while others may not even notice.
“What is important,” explained Dr. Park, “is for people with AFib to be on blood thinners because of the increased risk for a stroke. Because of the irregular heartbeat, blood may pool in the atria and cause a clot. These clots can in turn, break loose and lead to a stroke which is the greatest danger of AFib.”
The causes of AFib are usually related to other conditions that increase the level of stress placed on the heart. These might include
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack or coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Heart valve irregularities
- Sleep apnea
Less common causes might include a thyroid disorder or a severe infection like pneumonia.
If you suspect AFib, the first step is to contact your primary care doctor. Your doctor is likely to order an electrocardiogram (EKG). An EKG is used to detect heart rhythm problems by recording the heart’s electrical activity. EKGs can be completed in the doctor’s office or can be conducted over the course of one or two days with a continuous rhythm, or Holter, monitor worn on the body.
“If your symptoms are mild or if they come and go, medication can be used to control AFib,” said Dr. Park. “There are heart-rate controlling medications, which slow a rapid heart rate so the heart can pump more effectively, and there are heart-rhythm controlling meds which slow the electrical signals and bring the heartbeat into a normal rhythm. “
It’s also important to begin a daily routine of blood thinners, or anticoagulants, to help prevent blood clots from forming. Your doctor will talk with you about your best options for blood thinning. There are also newer procedures being done to control the clots which may decrease the need for blood thinning.
If medications don’t bring your symptoms under control, there are procedures available that may help such as cardioversion, catheter/surgical ablation options. Cardioversion involves a mild electric shock which resets the heart’s rhythm. Ablation consists of burning off small parts of the heart that contribute to the abnormal beats. The resulting scar tissue blocks the abnormal electrical signals.
“The good news is that there are steps you can take in your daily routine to eliminate potential AFib triggers,” said Dr. Park.
These include:
- Restricting fat, salt and sugar in your diet
- Reducing use of alcohol and caffeine
- Stopping tobacco use
- Controlling your weight
- Treating sleep apnea
- Exercising
- Avoiding medications like cough and cold medicine that contain stimulants that make the heart beat faster.
Dr. Soo Park is a board-certified cardiologist with Indiana Heart Physicians, a Franciscan Physician Network practice at Decatur County Memorial Hospital. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Park in Greensburg call 800-992-2081.