What is Atrial Fibrillation?
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PrintA-Fib is a type of irregular heartbeat that causes the heart to quiver instead of completing a full compression and release. When this occurs, blood isn't fully expelled from the upper chambers of the heart and it can pool. Sometimes these blood pools can clot within the heart and can cause stroke. More than 70 percent of A-Fib patients who suffer stroke die.
How Common is A-Fib?
About 2.5 million Americans have A-Fib. It is the most common cause of cardiac arrhythmia, otherwise known as irregular heartbeat.
A-Fib Symptoms Include:
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Palpitations (rapid, irregular heartbeats that may feel like a fluttering in the chest)
- Overall weakness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Heart failure
An EP physician, or electrophysiologist, is a cardiologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of electrical problems in the heart that can cause an irregular heartbeat.
If you have symptoms, call 920 433-3640 for an appointment with an electrophysiologist in the A-Fib clinic.
Great resources to learn about treatment options:
www.stopafib.org
Check out this animation of your heart beating normal and in atrial fibrillation!! It's really cool. Just download the Afib educator to your computer from AFStat.com
http://www.afstat.com/AF_Stat_Publications/AFib_Educator_Widget_Download.aspx
