September is National Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month! According to the American Stroke Association, 2.7 million are living with AFib. The American Stroke Association is raising awareness around AFib this September!
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
According to the American Stroke Association, “Atrial fibrillation (also called AFib or AF) is a quivering or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.”
Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation
The American Stroke Association has listed several symptoms that are associated with atrial fibrillation:
- General fatigue
- Rapid and irregular heartbeat
- Fluttering or “thumping” in the chest
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath and anxiety
- Weakness
- Faintness or confusion
- Fatigue when exercising
- Sweating
Remember, it’s important to receive a physical examination to be properly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.
Goals and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
While treating atrial fibrillation, it’s important to have treatment goals once diagnosed. The American Stroke Association has listed several example goals for those diagnosed:
- Restoring the heart to a normal rhythm (called rhythm control)
- Reducing an overly high heart rate (called rate control)
- Preventing blood clots (called prevention of thromboembolism such as stroke)
- Managing risk factors for stroke
- Preventing additional heart rhythm problems
- Preventing heart failure
Use September as a way to recognize National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month! And use #AFibAwarenessMonth to spread awareness! For more information, visit the American Stroke Association.
Sources:
Atrial Fibrillation. (2019). Retrieved 6 September 2019, from https://www.stroke.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation.
Treatment and Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation. (2019). Retrieved 6 September 2019, from https://www.stroke.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/treatment-and-prevention-of-atrial-fibrillation.
What are the Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib or AF)?. (2019). Retrieved 6 September 2019, from https://www.stroke.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/what-are-the-symptoms-of-atrial-fibrillation-afib-or-af.
What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib or AF)?. (2019). Retrieved 6 September 2019, from https://www.stroke.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/what-is-atrial-fibrillation-afib-or-af.