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Atrial Fibrillation, also called AFib, is a common heart rhythm disorder caused by a problem in the conduction of electrical impulses in the upper chambers, or atria, of the heart. More than 2 million people in the U.S. have AFib, and about 160,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. AFib is uncommon among young people, although it can occur in people of any age. The likelihood of developing the condition, however, increases as we get older. After age 65, between 3 percent and 5 percent of people have atrial fibrillation. Approximately 9 percent of people who are age 80 or older have the condition. Take This to Heart Atrial Fibrillation is a common heart condition which may lead to other serious conditions, including stroke or heart failure. However, there are safe and effective treatments for AFib. The Hoffman Heart and Vascular Institute of Connecticut offers comprehensive care for the prevention and treatment of atrial fibrillation. Our physicians include board certified cardiologists, electrophysiologists and cardiac surgeons trained in the most modern treatments of atrial fibrillation including cardiac ablation and surgery that can cure AFib. Increased Risk of Strokes During an episode of AFib, the heart muscle does not contract normally, which allows some blood to pool in parts of the heart. This allows blood clots to form within the heart. Even small blood clots can cause problems if they leave the heart and get into the circulation. They may clog arteries in the body and disrupt the blood supply to vital organs. A stroke occurs when a clot blocks an artery that supplies blood to the brain. According to the Framingham Heart Study, people with AFib have a 3 to 5 times greater risk of stroke, especially individuals who are older than 65, have already had a stroke, or have high blood pressure, diabetes or congestive heart failure. Signs and Symptoms The signs and symptoms of AFib vary from person to person. For some, it feels like a sudden flutter or tremor of the heart, while others feel nothing at all. Some symptoms of AFib include:
Atrial Fibrillation Treatment If left untreated, AFib may continue to cause symptoms. In the worst case, it can lead to a stroke. It can also lead to a weakening of your heart muscle or a worsening of congestive heart failure. However, there are many different ways to treat this common problem. The proper treatment, however, may also vary from person to person. We Can Help Treatment of atrial fibrillation begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your heart's function and your risk of stroke. This includes a physical examination and may also require performing specialized tests of your heart such as an echocardiogram, a stress test or even an angiogram. At the Hoffman Heart and Vascular Institute, our specialists are able to provide the most advanced treatments for atrial fibrillation.
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