What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib, is a common and progressive disease, with no cure. But, with early and proper treatment, can be managed so that you can live a healthier, better quality life. AFib is an organized "quivering" of the upper chambers of the heart and is the most common type of abnormal heart rhythm. AFib alters how blood flows within the heart and increases the risk of developing blood clots that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. If you have AFib, you may feel short of breath, weak, tired or dizzy. You may even experience palpitations.
The condition is a growing health issue in the U.S. that affects approximately 3 million individuals each year. According to the American Heart Association, individuals with AFib are four to five times more likely to have a stroke and, if left untreated, can double the risk of heart-related deaths. The good news is that treatment options have increased and evolved to provide higher efficacy and lower risks. Early intervention leads to more positive outcomes. Do not wait to see your doctor if you think you may have atrial fibrillation.
Long-term or frequent AFib should not be ignored. Regular checkups give you the best chance of effectively managing your symptoms.
For questions about the AFib Clinic, call 260-266-FIBR (3427).
Signs and symptoms of AFib
Symptoms of atrial fibrillation can include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations – a sensation of your heart racing, uncomfortable, irregular heartbeat or a flip-flopping in your chest
- Weakness
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Chest pain
Triggers of AFib
Most commonly, AFib is attributed to damage or abnormalities of the heart structure. Conditions which can lead to AFib include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Coronary artery disease
- Abnormal heart valves
- Heart defects you’re born with (congenital)
- An overactive thyroid gland or other metabolic imbalance
- Exposure to stimulants, such as medications, caffeine, tobacco or alcohol
- Sick sinus syndrome — improper functioning of the heart’s natural pacemaker
- Lung diseases
- Previous heart surgery
- Viral infections
- Stress due to pneumonia, surgery or other illnesses
- Sleep apnea
Risk factors of AFib
Certain factors may increase your risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
These include:
- Age-related “wear and tear” on the heart
- Occurrence of any of the previously listed causes
- Certain chronic conditions such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or lung disease
- Alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Family history
AFib treatments
When detected early, some people may control their symptoms and reduce their risk for heart disease simply by improving lifestyle habits, such as:
- Stop smoking
- Adopt a healthy low-fat, low-salt diet
- Avoid alcohol
- Minimize caffeine
- Maintain healthy blood sugar levels
- Exercise regularly to achieve a healthy weight
- Manage stress
- Surgical excision
If treatment is needed, your physician may refer you to the AFib Clinic at Parkview Heart Institute where the care team will focus on managing your heart rate and rhythm. The team will discuss which therapies will be most appropriate for you.
- Medications
- Rate control
- Rhythm control
- Anticoagulation (blood thinner)
- Cardioversion
- Ablation
- Pacemaker
In some cases, where long-term anticoagulation therapy (blood thinner) is not ideal, a new procedure called left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) may be an option. In this minimally invasive procedure, a small screen device is placed in the heart to close the opening of a naturally occurring pocket, thus eliminating the space where blood clots most commonly occur.
Long-term or frequent AFib should not be ignored. Regular checkups by your primary care physician give you the best chance of effectively managing your symptoms.
All patients referred to the AFib Clinic will be evaluated and managed by a board-certified electrophysiologist. Treatment options include medications, cardioversion, implantable cardiac devices, ablation therapies and left atrial appendage closure therapy.
Meet Our Team
Our dedicated team at the AFib Clinic is here to offer you advanced cardiovascular care.
Appointments & Referrals
Find information about how to be referred to the AFib Clinic and what to expect as a new patient.
