Many know the importance of keeping our heart healthy and blood pressure within normal range. These are both very important especially when we discuss stroke prevention. However, it’s also important that we talk about Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). This is particularly important because 1 in 7 strokes is the result of AFib.
Did you Know?
AFib is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. It’s estimated that over 12 million people will have a diagnosis of AFib by 2030. That number is staggering! It’s interesting that more women than men have this diagnosis and that individuals of European descent are most likely to have AFib. Additionally, AFib makes you 5 times more likely to have a stroke.
What is AFib?
A normal heartbeat is regular with blood flowing to the heart and then pumping it out to the rest of our body. If a person has an arrhythmia, their heart beats either too fast, too slow or in an irregular pattern. A person with a diagnosis of AFib does not have a properly functioning atria. This means that it’s not contracting in a strong, rhythmic pattern. The result is improper blood flow which can leave pools of blood in the upper chambers of the heart. These pools of blood can mean that not enough oxygenated blood is returned to the body. It can also cause clots to form. If this happens, the clots are pumped out of the heart and travel to other parts of the body such as the brain. This can potentially lead to a stroke. Whenever clots are formed in the body, it is extremely important that steps are taken to eliminate them so that we can prevent a stroke.
How do I know if I have AFib?
Common symptoms are:
- Feeling like your heart is racing or have palpitations, fluttering or a pounding in your heart
- Feeling short of breath or that you aren’t able to catch your breath
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Feelings of anxiousness can also be related to AFib
How to Prevent AFib?
The bad news is that not all cases can be prevented. This is because AFib can occur as a result of multiple factors. The main goal is to keep your heart healthy, maintain a normal blood pressure and avoid other behaviors and heart health issues that can lead to AFib. Some of these include: avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and managing chronic conditions like Diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.
Treating AFib
Treatment centers around controlling the irregular heartbeat. This is accomplished through blood-thinning medications to prevent clots; medicines to control the rhythm and rate of the heart and healthy lifestyle changes. As AFib is a progressive medical condition, in certain instances, a surgical procedure may be necessary.
It’s important to note that AFib is manageable with proper medical oversight and treatment.
That’s why it’s imperative you reach out to your provider if you are or have been experiencing any of the symptoms we discussed. As with many medical conditions, early diagnosis and treatment lead to better management and outcomes.
Stay in Touch with VITALity
We hope you found this information helpful and encourage you to reach out to us at VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services with questions a 1-888-26VITALity or 1-888-268-4825.
Until next time, stay healthy, safe and well.
