A rial Fibrilla ion Dr Warrick Bishop
AN
ageing population and our western lifestyle are ensuring that the prevalence of a common heart problem, atrial fibrillation, is increasing so quickly that it is predicted to be the next cardiac epidemic.
Atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AF, kills three times as many people as car accidents each year in the western world. It is a very large topic and is best explained in this book Atrial Fibrillation Explained. To understand what I believe is the next cardiac epidemic, I explain:
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
• what the condition is
It is an irregular heartbeat, often called an arrhythmia, that occurs in the upper chambers of the heart. It is frightening when it happens and often results in an ambulance trip to the hospital. It occurs in 1% of the population and in 15% of people aged 80 and over. So possibly your parents or grandparents have had this condition. It can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heartrelated complications.
• how we diagnose it
1. What is the best management approach? DISCLAIMER
• how we manage it and • how that impacts on the patient. Several drugs are used in its management and other approaches to treatment. AF is discussed in a way that allows patients to understand the best way to look after the condition and live with it in personal sets of circumstances. I encourage the involvement of the family in any management plan. Currently there is no medical cure for AF, GREAT HEALTH GUIDE | 7
