AFib Awareness: Know the signs and seek treatment

September is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month, and HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals in Central Florida are working to raise awareness of the potential risks of uncontrolled AFib, including an increased risk for stroke. According to the American Heart Association, strokes are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., and AFib causes about 15% of strokes.

“Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm condition we see,” said Dr. Steven Hoff, a cardiothoracic surgeon at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital.  “While AFib itself may not always feel serious, it can lead to dangerous complications if left untreated, including impacts on the brain.”

AFib is an irregular heartbeat in which the atria (upper chambers of the heart) don’t contract in a strong, rhythmic way. When a heart is in AFib, it may not pump enough oxygen-rich blood out of the heart, increasing the risk of clot formation. Clots can travel to the brain, block blood vessels and cause a stroke. Left untreated, patients with AFib are three to five times more likely to experience an ischemic stroke (caused by clots) than those without AFib.

While some patients with AFib don’t experience any symptoms, the most common feeling is a fluttering, fast or pounding heartbeat, known as palpitations. AFib can also cause dizziness or fainting, chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath or weakness. These symptoms can be constant or come and go.“

At HCA Florida Healthcare, we create custom solutions for each patient that may include medication and/or surgical procedures,” Dr. Hoff said. “I urge my AFib patients to be diligent about following their doctor’s orders to manage their condition and minimize their stroke risk.”

Together, the American Heart Association, HCA Healthcare, Inc. and the HCA Healthcare Foundation are working to foster cardiovascular health, prevent stroke and improve AFib patient outcomes by increasing cardiology and neurology collaboration. This year the HCA Healthcare Foundation is providing $3.9 million in additional funding and support to build upon the partnership focused on the heart-brain connection to help treat, beat and prevent stroke.

For more information on AFib, visit HCA Healthcare’s Healthy Living Blog.