Your Heart’s Hidden Danger: Understanding Atrial Fibrillation

Dignity Health Central Coast, which includes Marian Regional Medical Center, French Hospital Medical Center and Arroyo Grande Community Hospitals, are sounding the alarm, urging the community to understand Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) – the most prevalent heart arrhythmia ravaging millions of Americans and skyrocketing their risk of debilitating stroke. 

Often described as a “quivering” or “irregular” heartbeat, AFib occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat chaotically and irregularly, out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles). This irregular beating can lead to blood pooling in the atria, increasing the likelihood of blood clot formation. If a blood clot travels to the brain, it can cause an ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke.

“AFib is a serious condition that many people may not even realize they have,” shares Brett Gidney, MD, Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Marian Regional Medical Center. “The symptoms can be subtle or even absent, which is why awareness and early detection are so crucial. Uncontrolled AFib dramatically increases a person’s risk of stroke by four to five times.” 

Key Facts About AFib:

• Prevalence: It is estimated that 2.7 to 6.1 million Americans currently have AFib, with numbers projected to rise as the population ages.
• Leading Cause of Stroke: AFib is responsible for approximately 15-20% of all ischemic strokes.
• Silent Condition: Many individuals with AFib experience no symptoms, making regular check-ups and open communication with providers essential.
• Risk Factors: Age, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, sleep apnea, excessive alcohol consumption, and family history can all increase the risk of developing AFib.

Common Symptoms of AFib (if present):

• Palpitations (a feeling of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heart)
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Weakness

“If you experience any of these symptoms, even intermittently, it’s vital to speak with your doctor,” advises Ragesh Panikkath, MD, Cardiac Electrophysiologist, French Hospital Medical Center. “Simple diagnostic tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), can help detect AFib. The good news is that with early diagnosis and appropriate management, we can significantly reduce the risk of stroke and improve a patient’s quality of life.”

The causes of atrial fibrillation range from coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, heart valve disease, heart attack, heart surgery, or a birth defect. 

Dignity Health specialists offer various treatments for irregular heartbeats, helping to diagnose the cause and provide appropriate care:

Catheter ablation to eliminate abnormal heart cells that cause irregular rhythm, including Pulsed Field Ablation, a newer technique that uses short bursts of electrical energy to target and destroy cells, with a lower risk of damaging surrounding tissues compared to thermal methods. 

• Cardioversion to reset your heartbeat
• Blood-thinning medication to prevent clots
• Heart medications to correct and slow down your heartbeat
• Maze surgery to disturb the abnormal signals in your heart

Learn more about AFib and heart health and take a risk assessment  by visiting Dignity Health’s Cardiac Care Webpage here.