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National AFib Awareness Month

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September is National AFib Awareness Month, a month dedicated to promoting education, early detection, and improved care for AFib.

AFib stands for atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat. During AFib, the heart’s upper chambers, or the atria, beat chaotically and irregularly. They beat out of sync with the lower chambers, called ventricles.

Afib can lead to blood clots in the heart. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.

Afib usually isn’t life-threatening, but it is a serious medical condition that needs proper treatment to prevent serious health issues.

There are many symptoms of AFib, including:

  • Feelings of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Lightheadedness
  • Reduced ability to exercise
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness

People can experience three types of AFib, including:

  • Paroxysmal AFib
  • Persistent AFib
  • Long-standing persistent AFib

The most common cause of AFib is problems with the heart’s structure. Other health problems and heart diseases that can cause AFib include:

  • A congenital heart defect
  • Sick sinus syndrome
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Heart attack
  • High blood pressure
  • Lung diseases, including pneumonia
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Thyroid diseases
  • Infections from viruses

Many factors can increase your risk of AFib, including:

  • Age
  • Caffeine, nicotine, or illegal drug use
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Changes in the level of body minerals
  • Family history
  • Long-term health conditions
  • Obesity
  • Some medicines and supplements

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce heart disease risk and prevent AFib. Some basic heart-healthy tips include:

  • Controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
  • Not smoking or using tobacco
  • Eating a diet that is low in salt and saturated fat
  • Exercising at least 30 minutes a day at least five days a week
  • Getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep a day
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Reducing and managing stress

A healthcare provider can diagnose AFib by examining you and asking questions about your medical history and symptoms. Tests may be done to look for conditions causing irregular heartbeats such as heart disease or thyroid disease, including:

  • Blood tests
  • ECG or EKG
  • Holter monitor
  • Event recorder
  • Implantable loop recorder
  • Exercise stress tests
  • Chest X-ray

The goals of AFib treatment are to reset and control the heartbeat and prevent blood clots. Treatment for AFib depends on how long you’ve had it, your symptoms, and the cause of the irregular heartbeat. AFib treatment can include:

  • Medications
  • Cardioversion therapy
  • Surgery or catheter procedures

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Afib, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Tips For Living With AFib

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Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is one of the most common forms of heart arrhythmia.  It is estimated that up to six million people living in the United States are affected by this condition.

When a person has AFib their heartbeat is irregular. The upper chambers of the heart are out of sync with the lower chambers.  Irregularities in the rhythm of the heart can increase their risk for complications such as stroke or heart failure.

Living with AFib poses challenges that can affect several aspects of a person’s health.  However, there are lifestyle changes that can be applied to help improve quality of life.  Here are a few:

  • Diet- A heart-healthy diet is important for overall good health and offers many benefits to those living with AFib. Eat foods that are low in sodium and fat. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol is recommended as these substances have been known to trigger AFib episodes.
  • Using medications as advised- There are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that can have adverse effects. Some OTC cold medications and nasal sprays may contain substances that aggravate AFib. Certain multivitamins and herbal remedies, when combined with prescription medications, can also result in adverse reactions. Therefore, it is highly recommended to speak with a physician before taking any drugs or supplements.
  • Exercise- Adopting an exercise routine that fits your life can help strengthen your heart and improve stamina. As a person living with AFib, it is advised that you speak with your doctor about your exercise regimen because participating in activities that are too rigorous may lead to complications. Exercise also promotes the production of feel-good hormones.
  • Keep stress levels low- High levels of stress or intense bouts of anger can cause heart rates to quicken- this is not good for AFib. Find ways to keep stress to a minimum. Participating in activities such as taking walks or yoga can help to alleviate stress and decrease depression or anxiety.

The key to improving your health while living with AFib involves incorporating these tips as well as communicating with your doctor.   He or she will recommend a care plan for you to follow.

To schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.