BANGOR —Many have heard of “AFib” (atrial fibrillation), but may not know what it means, how it feels, or the risks that accompany it. September is AFib Awareness Month, the perfect time to learn more about this condition, especially if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with it.
“There are a couple of key things that you need to know,” Rodolfo Aldir, MD, a cardiologist at Northern Light Cardiology in Presque Isle said. “While AFib is a significant cardiac condition, you have multiple options for evaluation and treatment. Many conditions have been identified that contribute to increasing the risk of stroke associated with AFib, which is one of the biggest concerns associated with the underlying condition of AFib.”
So just what is AFib? It is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm. The heart’s upper chambers beat chaotically, irregularly, inefficiently and out of sync with the lower heart chambers. Episodes may come and go or may be constant. AFib can lead to blood clots in the heart and increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
Symptoms for AFib differ for each person, and some have no symptoms at all. However, there are some symptoms you should look out for, including a fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeat; chest pain; dizziness or lightheadedness; shortness of breath; and fatigue.
The exact cause of AFib is variable and, at times unknown, but it’s more common with age and affects certain groups of people more than others. While you can’t control some risks of AFib, such as family history and age, there are steps you can take to lower your risk. These include removing or reducing the use of alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine; managing your blood pressure and cholesterol; reducing salt and saturated fats from your diet; watching your weight; exercising regularly; getting a good night’s sleep; and reducing and managing stress.
“If you have symptoms of AFib, you should make an appointment with your primary care provider. You may need to be referred to a cardiologist,” advises Dr. Aldir. “If you do have AFib, it is important to review treatment options with your provider to prevent a stroke.”
If you have chest pain, get emergency medical help right away. Chest pain could mean that you’re having a heart attack.
To learn more about Northern Light Cardiology and the services offered at our locations across Maine including Bangor, Ellsworth, Pittsfield, Presque Isle and Portland, visit northernlighthealth.org/cardiovascular.