Dameron Hospital | Health Outlook | Fall 2020

Usually, the heart beats at a steady rate. If you have atrial fibrillation (AFib), your heartbeat becomes irregular and sometimes beats faster than usual. AFib can lead to severe complications, such as stroke, blood clots or even heart failure. Anyone can get AFib, regardless of their general health, so it’s good to know what the symptoms and risk factors are. You can be proactive and seek treatment, if necessary. Q What are the symptoms? Some people feel fine during AFib, but others may experience: •   Heart palpitations (heart racing, thumping, pounding or fluttering). •   Shortness of breath, usually during physical exertion. •   Irregular pulse (fast or slow). •   Dizziness, light-headedness or fainting. •   Feeling tired, weak or lacking energy; discomfort, pain, tightness or pressure in the chest. •   Weight gain or loss of appetite. Q What are the causes? Certain conditions can increase your risk for AFib, such as: •   High blood pressure (hypertension). •   Heart disease or lung disease. •   Thyroid problems. •   Not being fit, not exercising or being obese. What is atrial fibrillation? Taking risk factors to heart •   Having diabetes. •  Inadequate or poor-quality sleep from chronic insomnia or sleep apnea. •   Heavy alcohol use (more than two drinks per day). •   Heavy caffeine or stimulant use. •   Being over the age of 60 (higher risk; however, AFib can affect adults of any age). Q How is it diagnosed and treated? Your healthcare team will look over your health history, do a physical exam and perform some tests to determine if you have AFib. The two main types of treatment are rate control (to help slow down the heart rate or pulse) and rhythm control (to help the heart keep a regular rhythm). The appropriate treatment depends on your symptoms and how they are affecting you. Both rate and rhythm control can be administered through prescription medications. Q Is it life-threatening? AFib itself is not dangerous, but if left untreated, its side effects can be life-threatening. If your heart doesn’t go back into a normal rhythm within a few minutes or your symptoms get worse, please contact your healthcare provider immediately. If you think you’re having a stroke (face drooping, arm weakness or trouble speaking), call 911. Q A & of your abnormal heartbeats. Once those sources are mapped, radiofrequency waves are sent through the catheter to create a scar around them. This scar forms a barrier that prevents electrical impulses from crossing between the damaged heart tissue to the surrounding healthy tissue. This stops abnormal electrical signals from traveling to the rest of the heart and causing arrhythmias. “With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can live your life on your terms and not have atrial fibrillation dictate what you can and can’t do,” says Dr. Chothia. “The techniques we use at Dameron for patients with atrial fibrillation are used throughout the world. Our patients receive a full consultation, which includes education on the condition and treatment options. It’s critical that patients are part of the decision- making process when moving forward with a treatment plan. Every patient and every condition is different, and we want to be sure we do what’s best for you!” ABOVE: Dr. Chothia begins the cardiac ablation procedure to stabilize his patient’s fibrillating heart. LEFT: Dr. Chothia and his team are ready to restore a steady beat to your heart. Talk it over: Make an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss your risks for AFib and next steps. DameronHospital.org • Health Outlook  7