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What is atrial fibrillation (AFib)?
AFib is the most common type of irregular heartbeat that often causes the heart to beat too quickly. One of the biggest concerns with AFib is the risk of stroke. In fact, people with AFib have approximately 5 times greater risk of stroke than those who do not have AFib. It is estimated that by 2030, approximately
12 million people in the U.S. will have AFib.
What are common AFib symptoms to be aware of?
AFib symptoms can come and go, and they can vary. Talk to your doctor if you experience one or more of these symptoms:
Irregular
heartbeat
Heart
racing
Chest
pain
Shortness
of breath
Fatigue
Light-headedness
When it comes to these symptoms, contact
your doctor—this is no time to wait.
Seeking medical attention early may help reduce the chance of AFib leading to something more serious. If you have one
or more of these symptoms, contact your doctor or
healthcare provider.
Symptoms can also be associated with other potentially serious conditions not related to AFib.
Only a healthcare provider can determine whether these symptoms indicate AFib or another condition.
WHAT ARE SOME RISK FACTORS FOR AFib?
There are some risk factors that may increase your chances of developing AFib. These include but are not limited to:
- Age 65 and older
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Heavy alcohol use
- Heart disease, such as congestive
heart failure and coronary artery disease - Prior heart attacks
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Overactive thyroid
How can AFib lead to a stroke?
During a normal heartbeat, the upper chambers (atria) and lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart work together to pump blood to the rest of the body. AFib occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly, and do not pump all of the blood to the lower chambers, causing some blood to pool and potentially form clots. If a clot breaks loose, it can travel through the bloodstream to the brain and lead to a stroke. Strokes related to AFib are often more severe compared to strokes with other underlying causes.
People with AFib have approximately
5 times greater risk of stroke
What did some OTHER patients experience BEFORE BEING DIAGNOSED WITH AFib?
“I was waking up at night with
shortness of breath and a feeling
of pressure on my lungs.”
AFib patient and paid ambassador
“My heart was racing periodically when I was lying down.”
“You have to pay attention to maybe being a little more fatigued than you normally are, or occasionally having a little faster pulse than you've had before.”
AFib patient and paid ambassador
For those with AFib,
symptoms may come and
go, but
whether or not symptoms are present,
there is increased risk of stroke.
Some people who have AFib may not experience any symptoms at all. Only
a healthcare provider can determine
whether these symptoms indicate
AFib or another condition.
How CAN I BETTER PREPARE FOR MY doctor’s appointment?
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your conversation with the doctor:
If you experience symptoms, be sure to write them down and note when and how often they occurred
Make a list of all the medications you’re currently taking
Make a list of any questions you have
Gather your insurance information to bring
to the visit
How is AFib diagnosed?
Only a healthcare provider can diagnose AFib. In order to detect AFib, a healthcare provider may conduct various tests:
Pulse checks are simple tests where a healthcare provider will place their fingers near an artery and measure the pulse, or the number of heartbeats per minute.
Auscultation of the heart is the method of listening to the heart with a stethoscope during a physical examination to determine if it sounds normal or abnormal.
Electrocardiogram, also called EKG or ECG, is a test that uses small patches called electrodes, placed on the skin, to monitor heart rhythm and detect abnormal rhythms. EKGs can be used to confirm the diagnosis of AFib.
How CAN I BETTER PREPARE FOR MY doctor’s appointment?
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your conversation with the doctor:
If you experience symptoms, be sure to write them down and note when and how often they occurred
Make a list of all the medications you’re currently taking
Make a list of any questions you have
Gather your insurance information to bring
to the visit
How is AFib diagnosed?
Only a healthcare provider can diagnose AFib. In order to detect AFib, a healthcare provider may conduct various tests:
Pulse checks are simple tests where a healthcare provider will place their fingers near an artery and measure the pulse, or the number of heartbeats per minute.
Auscultation of the heart is the method of listening to the heart with a stethoscope during a physical examination to determine if it sounds normal or abnormal.
Electrocardiogram, also called EKG or ECG, is a test that uses small patches called electrodes, placed on the skin, to monitor heart rhythm and detect abnormal rhythms. EKGs can be used to confirm the diagnosis of AFib.
Seeking medical attention early may
help reduce the chance of AFib
leading to something more serious.
Familiarize yourself with AFib symptoms and risk factors. It is also important to understand that you can experience symptoms or have risk factors but not have AFib. You could also have AFib and not experience any symptoms. If you have one or more of these symptoms, contact your doctor or healthcare provider.