Recent consumer patient research conducted by the Dallas-based American Heart Association has revealed alarming findings about atrial fibrillation (AFib), a heart condition characterized by irregular and often rapid heartbeats.
According to the study, an astonishing 62% of patients diagnosed with AFib had no prior knowledge of the condition before receiving their diagnosis.
AFib poses serious health risks, including blood clots, strokes, heart failure, and other related complications.
In a discussion with KERA’s Sam Baker, Dr. Brian Le, a clinical cardiac electrophysiologist with Texas Health Dallas and Texas Health Physicians Group, shed light on common symptoms associated with AFib.
Patients often experience palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath during exertion. These symptoms stem from the underlying issue of AFib, where the heart beats out of rhythm.
Dr. Le explained that in AFib, the heart’s upper chamber can beat between 300 to 500 times per minute, which leads to stagnant blood flow and increases the risk of blood clots and stroke.
The condition also causes irregular, chaotic beats in the lower chamber, contributing to the fatigue and breathlessness many patients feel, especially during physical activity.
When asked about the primary causes of AFib, Dr. Le stated that aging is the most common factor; he referred to AFib as a ‘disease of the privileged,’ highlighting that living longer increases the likelihood of developing this condition due to the cumulative effects of wear and tear over time.
While a small percentage of cases, known as lone AFib, occur among younger individuals, the majority of atrial fibrillation instances are connected to aging and other health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and lung disease.
The prevalence of AFib is expected to double by 2030, with current estimates indicating that over six million people in the U.S. are affected.
Dr. Le attributed this surge in cases to advancements in medical technology that allow individuals to live longer. Such advancements are especially evident in developed countries, where AFib rates are significantly higher compared to developing nations.
A common question among patients is whether AFib is treatable or curable. Dr. Le mentioned that AFib is a modifiable condition.
He likened it to cancer, stating that if a patient is AFib-free after undergoing an ablation, they could be considered in remission.
Lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing AFib effectively. Key recommendations include controlling diabetes and blood pressure, seeking treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, and, most importantly, losing weight.
Dr. Le noted the importance of adopting a holistic approach—incorporating lifestyle changes to either prevent AFib or manage it if diagnosed.
He emphasized that when dealing with AFib, treatments may include blood thinners, medications to control heart rate, and ablation procedures to restore proper heart rhythm.
An ablation is a procedure where an electrophysiologist enters the heart through an IV placed in the groin. During this procedure, the physician modifies the heart’s electrical pathways by targeting areas such as the pulmonary veins, which are known to trigger AFib.
By addressing these triggers, doctors can help prevent AFib from returning.
In more advanced cases of AFib, where scarring of heart tissue has developed, procedures can also render these scars inactive to stop them from contributing further to the condition.
As AFib becomes increasingly common, awareness and understanding of its implications are critical for patients and healthcare providers alike. The knowledge gleaned from this research could serve as a vital resource in promoting preventive measures and effective treatment strategies for individuals affected by atrial fibrillation.
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