HEALTH & WELLNESS

Take Heart: Learn the Warning Signs of Atrial Fibrillation

Provided by Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center

Whether it’s a racing heart during the simplest of activities, a heartbeat that feels like it’s skipping a beat or maybe, no symptoms at all … you could be one of the more than 2.7 million Americans living with atrial fibrillation. “Atrial fibrillation is an electro problem in the top chambers of the heart, it does have some serious implications because it can cause things like stroke and heart failure,” explains Dr. Joseph Lee, Cardiologist and Medical Director of the Electrophysiology Services at Sentara Heart & Vascular Center.

Dr. Lee is an electrophysiologist who specializes in heart rhythm disorders. He often describes what he does as “being an electrician for the heart.” “The presentation [for AFib] can be variable. For some people they don’t know it at all, unfortunately, until they have heart failure or have a stroke. And, for others they feel it immediately,” he said. According to the American Heart Association, symptoms can include: • General fatigue • Rapid and irregular heartbeat • Fluttering or “thumping” in the chest • Dizziness • Shortness of breath and anxiety • Weakness

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• Faintness or confusion • Fatigue when exercising • Sweating • Chest pain or pressure The AHA says anyone can develop atrial fibrillation, but the likelihood of the disease increases with age. “There are a number of things we can change and there are number of things we can’t change. The things we cannot change is genetics, your age — those things are going to happen regardless of what you do,” explained Dr. Lee. “There are some modifiable risk factors. Those would be things like weight — maintaining a healthy body weight. If you have diabetes — getting that treated. If you have high blood pressure — getting that treated. If you have sleep apnea, having that treated. High cholesterol. Then, on top of that, be careful not to smoke and avoid alcohol as well as caffeine.”

If you feel like you have any of the symptoms listed above or don’t feel like yourself, get evaluated by your primary care provider. “Atrial fibrillation is very common. It can be properly managed, so you don’t have serious complications or consequences,” said Dr. Lee. To learn more about Sentara Heart & Vascular Center, visit sentara.com/heart or call 703-523-1980.

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