NEW YORK (AP) — Daniel Moore first felt it when he was about 30. After a long, stressful day, he drank a cold glass of milk. Suddenly, it felt like a bunny rabbit was jumping in his chest. Now at 60, he knows it was atrial fibrillation, or A-fib.
A-fib is when the heart beats irregularly. This condition can lead to blood clots, strokes, and heart failure. Research suggests that over 10 million Americans have A-fib, especially older adults. This number is likely to rise in the coming years.
Dr. T. Jared Bunch from the University of Utah is optimistic. He says, “Even though we see more of the disease, we’re better at treating it.”
Some symptoms of A-fib include a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, and fatigue. For Moore, exercising becomes almost impossible. “I can’t run. Walking is tiring,” he says.
A-fib makes the heart’s upper chambers out of sync with the lower ones. It can cause a heart rate over 200 beats per minute, much higher than the normal resting rate of 60 to 100 beats. Sometimes, symptoms come and go, and while A-fib itself isn’t usually life-threatening, it can lead to serious complications like stroke.
Detection is improving, thanks in part to smartwatches that monitor heart rhythms. Surprisingly, a study by the American Heart Association found that over half of people with A-fib were unaware of their condition before receiving a diagnosis.
A-fib is linked to about 15% of strokes, particularly among older individuals. Its prevalence may partly explain the increase in stroke deaths in the U.S. over the past decade.
Why does A-fib happen? Damage to the heart’s chambers and electrical signals can cause it. Factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, stress, and even sleep apnea can contribute. Aging plays a significant role, as about 70% of A-fib cases occur in people aged 65 and older. Some viruses can also trigger A-fib, with COVID-19 being a potential contributor for some patients.
While there’s no cure for A-fib, treatments have improved. Dr. Laurence Epstein of Hofstra University notes, “We’re miles beyond where we used to be.” Initial treatments include cardioversion, where a defibrillator helps restore rhythm. For ongoing issues, doctors might suggest pacemakers or a device called Watchman to prevent clots. Another option is ablation, which uses heat or cold to block faulty signals from specific heart areas.
Living a heart-healthy lifestyle can help reduce A-fib risk. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, quality sleep, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Interestingly, some recent studies suggest a small amount of caffeine might actually be beneficial.
If you start experiencing symptoms, it’s vital to get them checked out. Amy Stahley, a nurse, felt her heart racing and immediately went to the hospital. “If you’re feeling a little off, get it checked out,” she advises.
Moore agrees. He warns that the longer you remain in A-fib, the greater the chance it becomes a lifelong condition.
For more details on heart health, you can visit resources from the American Heart Association, which offers extensive information on A-fib and its management.
