A Heart Month Reminder

Atrial fibrillation (also called AFib or AF) is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.In fact, having AFib makes you up to five times more likely to have a stroke , according to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all.Most strokes caused by AFib could be prevented with effective treatment, but only about half of AFib patients receive proper therapy.Approximately 5.2 million people in the United States experience AFib, and that number is expected to more than double in the next ten years, according to the American Heart Association.

Although anyone can develop AFib at any age, the risk is greatest for individuals older than 50 years , those with a family history of AFib, smokers and those with high blood pressure or other forms of heart disease.Although AFib is less prevalent in Black and Latino individuals compared with wh ite individuals, Black and Latino people living with AFib have a higher risk of AFib-related death when they also have conditions such as high blood pressure and heart failure, according to the American Stroke Association.The best-known symptom of AFib is a fluttering heartbeat, but not all individuals with AFib experience this, and many people with AFib report no symptoms prior to diagnosis."Because of this, it's important that people at risk for AFib continuously speak to their doctors about any unusual sensations involving their heartbeat," says Mark Estes, MD, FACC, FHRS, American Heart Association volunteer medical expert and professor of Medicine and Program Director of the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.Other symptoms of AFib include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness , faintness, sweating and chest pressure.Up to 84% of strokes caused by AFib are preventable if patients receive early, effective treatment.

That means it is important to talk to your doctor if you are at increased risk for AFib. The American Stroke Association offers a downloadable symptom tracker that can serve as an important tool for conversations with your doctor about how to stay healthy.To learn ways to manage AFib, the American Stroke Association has created an online portal, MyAFibExperience.org, where individuals with AFib can share their stories and learn from the experiences of others.

Looking for answers after experiencing unexplained fainting episodes at just 33, Kymberli Petronio, wife and mother of four, sought out a heart specialist. The cardiologist recommended an insertable heart monitor, designed for people who experience infrequent, unexplained fainting, or who may have an undiagnosed heart rhythm condition.More than a year later, Petronio fainted again. This time, her heart stopped for 19 seconds but began beating on its own again. Her implanted Reveal LINQ device transmitted the data to her doctor's office and from there, they were able to diagnose a heart condition and implant a Medtronic pacemaker to help regulate her heartbeat."The Reveal LINQ is the reason I'm here," says Petronio . Today, Petronio is living an active life with her family and wants to share her story to educate others.

Getting heart smart about common heart rhythm issues starts with understanding the terms and treatment options. What is an arrhythmia?An arrhythmia is an irregular rhythm caused by a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system. Common symptoms may include a fluttering feeling in the chest, chest pain, heart palpitations, rapid or pounding heart rate, fainting, fatigue, shortness of breath or dizziness.What are the treatment options? Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are a common treatment option for patients with an arrhythmia. CIEDs include pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), which regulate a person’s heart rate. A pacemaker typically is implanted in the chest and sends out low-energy electrical stimulation to increase a too-slow heart rate. An ICD also is placed in the chest: when a person’s heart beats dangerously fast, the ICD will deliver a shock or painless pacing therapy to interrupt and reset the heart’s rhythm.

For some patients with heart failure, an advanced pacemaker or defibrillator — called cardiac resynchronization therapy — can help the lower chambers of the heart beat in sync, reducing the symptoms of this progressive condition. And many patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a quivering in the upper chambers of the heart, are candidates for minimally invasive catheter cryoablation.Your Heart Health Matters February is American Heart Month and a critical time to learn more about heart health. Learn the signs and symptoms of heart disease and keep up with your regular doctor appointments and screenings.