health
Atrial Fibrillation & Stroke
By Dr. Donald Ponec
Atrial Fibrillation ( “A-fib”) is an abnormality of the heart rhythm that affects over 3 million adults in the United States. The likelihood of developing A-fib increases with age and is somewhat more common in men than women. In A-fib the atria (or upper chambers of the heart) do not contract properly due to an abnormality in the electrical activity of the heart muscle. This results in disorganized heartbeats that reduce the efficiency and output of the heart and can allow blood clots to form. The blood clots increase the risk of having a stroke. There are two types of A-fib (Both can cause complications): ▪ Paroxysmal (intermittent) A-fib that comes and goes ▪ Persistent A-fib which lasts longer than a week. There are many potential causes of A-fib: ▪ Age over 65 ▪ High blood pressure ▪ Heart attack (called “Myocardial Infarction” or “MI”) ▪ Heart valve abnormalities ▪ Alcohol consumption ▪ Sleep apnea 32 |
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▪ Certain medical conditions including Diabetes, Obesity, Kidney or Thyroid conditions ▪ Certain Medications - especially asthma or COPD medications A-fib can cause a feeling of chest discomfort or pain, a feeling of palpitation or heart racing, lightheaded or dizzy feeling, shortness of breath, fainting or severe
A dreaded complication of A-fib is stroke caused by a blood clot (called an embolus) that is ejected from the heart and lodges in one of the blood vessels that supply the brain. This can lead to permanent brain damage and disability. fatigue. The severity of symptoms can vary, and some people may have no symptoms at all. It is important to detect A-fib as there are a number of medications and other treatments available to reduce the risk of complications (such as heart failure, certain types of dementia and premature death). Many patients with A-fib are treated with blood thinners (anticoagulants) to reduce the risk of blood clots. A-fib is diagnosed by ECG (electrocardiogram) testing, and by physical examination by your doctor. The best treatment depends on each patient’s individual situation, history and other conditions. Winter 2020 | www.oceansidechamber.com
