A series of coordinated electrical signals start in a part of the heart called

the Sinus Node. The electrical impulse then spreads across the heart and tells it when

and where to contract, or squeeze. This synchronized heartbeat continuously circulates blood from

the lungs, through the heart, and out to the rest of the body to deliver oxygen. In people

with atrial fibrillation--also called AFib--the electrical signals are abnormal, and largely

chaotic, and cause the heart's chambers to beat irregularly, and often rapidly. If you

have been diagnosed with AFib, you are not alone. AFib is the most common type of irregular

heartbeat, and an estimated 2.7 to 6.1 million Americans are living with AFib. Some people

with AFib never experience symptoms and are diagnosed when a healthcare professional detects

an irregular heartbeat. It's estimated that one-third of Americans who have AFib, don't

know they have it. So people at risk for AFib should have their heart listened to, and their

pulse checked regularly. Others are diagnosed because they experience symptoms and report

them. Symptoms can include irregular, pounding, or rapid heartbeat, that some people describe

as the feeling of butterflies, or a fish flopping in their chest. Dizziness, fainting, breathlessness,

weakness, fatigue, and chest pain can also occur. These episodes of AFib can be very

frightening, and even disabling. AFib is often classified, and treated, based on how often

the episodes occur. Paroxsymal, or intermittent AFib, is when episodes stop spontaneously,

but don't last more than 7 days. Persistent AFib is when episodes last longer than 7 days.

Longstanding Persistent AFib lasts continuously for more than a year. Permanent AFib is when

episodes last longer than 7 days and where a decision has been made not to stop it. There

are a number of causes and risk factors for AFib including abnormalities in the heart's

physical structure from things like valve problems and previous heart attacks. Other

causes and risk factors include high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, overactive

thyroid or metabolic imbalances, lung disease, previous heart surgery, viral infections,

stress, sleep apnea, and exposure to caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications. Sometimes

the cause is unknown, although it is known that the risk of AFib increases as we age.

Those with AFib have a higher risk for heart failure and stroke, but with proper treatment,

these risks can be managed. Having AFib is certainly not a death-sentence and many AFib

patients enjoy a healthy and active life. You will likely work with a cardiologist,

or cardiac electrophysiologist, to treat your AFib. One of the treatment goals is to prevent

the heart from beating too fast. This rate control can help reduce your symptoms. This

usually can be accomplished with medications like Beta Blockers and Calcium Channel Blockers.

Rhythm control is a related but different treatment approach that allows the heart's

chambers to work together to efficiently pump blood. Your healthcare professional will let

you know whether you might benefit from rhythm control. If so, procedures may be necessary

and include electrical cardioversion, where a controlled shock to the chest restores the

normal rhythm. Catheter ablation where radio frequency, heat, or cryo (cold) energy is

used to strategically destroy tissue and prevent the abnormal electrical impulses from spreading.

Maze, or mini-maze surgery is similar to catheter ablation and may also use incisions to interrupt

the signals. Another critical part of treating AFib is preventing strokes. Because the heart

beats irregularly while in AFib, it affects the way blood flows through the heart and

makes it vulnerable for forming clots. Those clots can travel from the heart to the brain

where they can block vital blood flow and oxygen, resulting in a stroke that can be

debilitating or deadly. The risk of stroke in a person with AFib is 500% higher than

in someone without the disease. So treatment to reduce stroke risk is essential. Anticoagulants,

also called blood-thinners, interfere with the body's clotting mechanisms, and reduce

the risk of stroke. There are now a number of oral anticoagulants available that work

in different ways, with different benefits and risks, allowing the healthcare professional

and patient to choose the right drug for them. Some individuals may not need an anticoagulant

because their risk of stroke is so low, or because their risk of bleeding as a side-effect

of the anticoagulant is too high. However, fatal bleeding while on an anticoagulant is

rare, and for most AFib patients the benefit of preventing AFib-caused strokes outweighs

the increased risk of bleeding. In most cases, things like frailty, age, and risk of falls

should not be barriers to anticoagulation. If you have been diagnosed with AFib, being

a proactive member of your healthcare team is critical to effectively managing your condition.

Partner with your healthcare professional in making treatment decisions. This can be

confusing and overwhelming, so never hesitate to ask questions and get the information you

need. Keep all your medical appointments and take your medications as directed. Don't stop

or switch any medications without talking with your healthcare professional. Discuss

your diet and any over-the-counter medications that could interfere with your treatment.

Continue to exercise with the guidance of your healthcare professional. AFib can cause

increased fatigue, but it does not have to eliminate your activities. Be sure to report

any changes in your health or symptoms. Getting an AFib diagnosis can be frightening and even

confusing, but it is a manageable condition and you can expect to live a healthy and active

life by partnering with your healthcare professional, and following the treatment plan that is right

for you. To learn more about stroke risk reduction for people with AFib watch Preventing Stroke

from Atrial Fibrillation on YouTube and visit www.agingresearch.org/atrialfibrillation.

Brought to you by the Alliance for Aging Research.