Shannon Medical Center | Health Beat | Spring 2018

Some people with AFib have a racing or fluttering heart or heart palpitations. Others experience shortness of breath or anxiety. Lightheadedness, dizziness and fainting can all happen too. For more information, call the Shannon Regional Heart Center: 325-481-2281 . What’s your AFib risk? Anyone can develop atrial fibrillation (AFib). But some conditions and habits can put you at a higher risk: Advanced age. Kids can get AFib, but it’s more common as we age. High blood pressure. A history of uncon- trolled blood pressure can cause problems. Heart disease or a history of heart attack. AFib is a com- mon complication after heart surgery. Drinking alcohol. Binging or drinking large amounts can defi- nitely increase your risk. But keep in mind that drinking even modest amounts can trigger AFib in some people. Family history of AFib. If someone in your family has AFib, you’re at risk too. Sleep apnea. Some- times treating apnea can improve AFib. Chronic conditions. These include thyroid problems, diabetes and asthma. Sources: American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Atrial fibrillation 5 facts to know A steady heartbeat drives good health. But sometimes, that steady beat can get thrown off rhythm. That’s what happens with atrial fibril- lation (AFib). Certain cells in the heart create electrical signals.These signals then cause the heart to contract and pump blood. But with AFib, the heart’s two upper chambers—the atria—don’t beat like they should. Instead, they beat irregu- larly and way too fast. AFib is serious. But people who have it can lead normal, healthy lives. Here are five things you should know. AFib doesn’t always have symptoms. But when it does, symptoms can vary. Some people have a racing or fluttering heart or heart palpitations. Others experience short- ness of breath or anxiety. Lightheadedness, dizziness and fainting can all happen too. Whether you have symptoms or not, you’ll need an exam to get a diagnosis. Your doctor might also order tests like an EKG just to be sure. Other problems can arise from AFib. You can live with AFib, but it can lead to issues like heart failure and chronic fatigue. Additional heart rhythm problems and an inconsistent blood supply can become prob- lems as well. If you have AFib, your risk of stroke is five times higher than someone without it. AFib can cause blood to pool inside the left atrium of the heart. Clots can form in this pooled blood. When a clot is pumped out of the heart, it can travel to the brain and block an artery, causing a stroke. The blockage prevents the tissue downstream from getting oxygen. And without oxygen, tissue dies. You might be able to predict an AFib episode. Some people can feel when they’re in AFib. But even if you can’t, you can still watch for triggers. Common triggers include caffeine, stress and poor sleep. Some people with AFib find that exercise that in- creases their heart rate beyond a certain point can trigger an episode too. Exercise can help many folks with AFib, so it’s important to pay attention and learn what triggers your AFib. Not everyone who has AFib needs treatment. It’s a worrisome condition, but AFib doesn’t always call for medication or other therapies. Sometimes, heart rhythm can return to normal on its own. Even if you and your doctor decide treatment isn’t needed, you should work together to monitor your heart. Repeat episodes can lead to persistent or per- manent AFib. Sources: American Heart Association; Heart Rhythm Society; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 1 2 3 4 5 Spring 2018 7