What You Need to Know About Atrial Fibrillation

An estimated 2.7 million Americans are living with atrial fibrillation (AFib) — a condition where the upper and lower chambers of the heart beat out of sync. The result can be a rapid or irregular heartbeat, a "fluttering" sensation in the chest, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, and general fatigue.

Dr. Abhimanyu Beri, clinical cardiac electrophysiologist at the Riverside Heart & Vascular Institute, addresses these issues every day.

"The heart is a complex organ — imagine it like a complex pump. It needs a plumber, an electrician, and multiple different systems that make the heart work. An electrophysiologist is like an electrician. I work on the rhythm of the heart to make sure it keeps beating in sync," he explains. "My training enables me to help diagnose and treat conditions that may be arising as a result of problems in the electrical system of a patient's heart."

What Causes AFib?

The causes of AFib are varied. The most common include genetics, diabetes, untreated sleep apnea, obesity, heavy alcohol consumption, and a history of congestive heart failure. "The list is long, but these are the most common conditions that can precipitate or cause atrial fibrillation," explains Dr. Beri.

AFib also becomes more common with age. Research shows that a significant percentage of adults over 80 are living with the condition.

Identifying and Diagnosing AFib

Some patients have no idea they are in AFib at all. The body can continue to function — much like other chronic conditions, AFib can be a "silent killer." In fact, stroke is often the first symptom that brings AFib to light. Over time, untreated atrial fibrillation can cause heart valves to become leaky and lead to congestive heart failure.

When symptoms do bring a patient in, AFib is typically diagnosed with an electrocardiogram (EKG). "Sometimes the symptoms are sporadic — at which time a heart monitor may be required for 24 or 48 hours, or up to 30 days. Rarely, we may have to implant a chip in someone's chest to pick up these episodes of palpitations or atrial fibrillation," notes Dr. Beri.

Treatment Options

A primary concern with AFib is stroke risk and how to reduce it. One option is to start the patient on blood thinners.

"Stroke is very devastating and can be a life-changing condition. The reason why people with atrial fibrillation suffer strokes is because blood flows very slowly when the heart is not pumping normally. We absolutely do not want our patients having strokes," cautions Dr. Beri.

Treatments are also available to slow or stabilize heart rate. "We have state-of-the-art technology here at Riverside, where we can actually treat the condition with either advanced medications or with catheter ablation. We can insert a catheter inside a person's body and find the areas that are causing atrial fibrillation," he adds.

Ultimately, treatment is individualized to each patient. "Not everyone is the same. We cannot ignore the symptoms of one versus the other. We encourage patients to meet with their doctor — and we are always available for consultation to help guide the most appropriate care," assures Dr. Beri.