Understanding AFib with Ascension Seton

A fluttering, racing or irregular heartbeat can be easy to dismiss—especially when it comes and goes. But an irregular rhythm may be a sign of atrial fibrillation, commonly called AFib. AFib is the most common abnormal heart rhythm, affecting about 1 in 4 adults who reach middle age.

During AFib Awareness Month, Joshua Davis, DO, an electrophysiologist with Ascension Texas Cardiovascular, wants Central Texans to know that AFib is both common and treatable. Identifying it early gives us the opportunity to prevent strokes, improve symptoms and help people continue doing the things they enjoy.

What is AFib?

AFib starts in the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria. Instead of beating in a regular pattern, the heart rhythm becomes irregular and often fast. That can affect how you feel and can increase the risk of blood clots forming inside the heart. If a clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke.

Some people have noticeable symptoms. Others have few symptoms or none at all. A common misconception is that if you do not have severe symptoms with AFib, then it is nothing to worry about. People can have an increased risk of stroke even without symptoms, making evaluation and treatment very important.

Know the symptoms of AFib and when to get help

AFib symptoms may include palpitations, a feeling of skipped heartbeats, fatigue, shortness of breath or reduced ability to exercise. Symptoms can come and go, and they may be subtle. If you notice a racing or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, fatigue or another change that concerns you, talk with your healthcare provider.

Seek immediate medical attention for severe shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting or signs of a stroke, such as sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, vision changes or trouble walking. Call 911 for a medical emergency.

What increases the risk of AFib?

Several health conditions and lifestyle factors can place extra stress on the atria and increase the risk of AFib, including:

• Excessive alcohol intake
• Heart failure or sleep apnea
• High blood pressure, diabetes or coronary artery disease
• Obesity or older age

You may be able to lower your risk by managing blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea; maintaining a healthy weight; exercising regularly; and limiting alcohol. Addressing these factors is an important part of AFib care.

How is AFib diagnosed?

An electrocardiogram, or ECG, is commonly used to diagnose AFib. Wearable devices can also detect irregular heart rhythms at home. If a wearable alerts you to a possible irregular rhythm, save the recording if possible and share it with your healthcare provider. A healthcare professional can determine whether you need additional testing.

Personalized AFib treatment at Ascension Seton

Treatment has three main goals: reduce stroke risk, help you feel better, and control your heart rate or rhythm. Your care team may also address the health factors that may be contributing to AFib.

Depending on your symptoms, health history and goals, treatment may include blood-thinning medication, medicines to control heart rate or rhythm, cardioversion, catheter ablation, left atrial appendage occlusion or risk-factor management.

Blood thinners may be recommended because AFib can allow blood clots to form in the heart. Your provider will consider your individual stroke risk when deciding whether a blood thinner is right for you. Do not start or stop a blood thinner without talking with your healthcare provider.

Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure, often performed as a same-day procedure. A specialist guides thin tubes, called catheters, through a vein to the heart and treats the areas causing AFib. It is an important option for people with symptomatic AFib and for some people who also have heart failure.

How an electrophysiologist can help

Electrophysiologists are cardiologists who specialize in heart rhythm disorders. They help you understand what is happening with your heart and discuss whether medication, a procedure or another approach may be best for you. AFib is not the same for every patient, so treatment should be individualized, too.. Your care plan may consider your symptoms, age, other medical conditions, stroke risk, how often AFib occurs and what you want to accomplish with treatment.

Questions to ask after an AFib diagnosis

Consider asking your doctor:

• Are my blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea and weight well controlled?
• Do I need to take a blood thinner?
• What are my options for treating AFib?
• What is my risk of stroke?

Living with AFib may require ongoing treatment and attention to modifiable risk factors, but effective care can help many people stay active and continue doing the things they enjoy.

Take the next step for your heart

If you have symptoms of AFib or questions about your heart rhythm, book an appointment with one of our electrophysiology cardiovascular doctors at Ascension Texas Cardiovascular. Call 877-860-1141 or find an Ascension Texas Cardiovascular location near you.