Don't Skip a Beat! What You Need to Know About AFib Diagnosis and Care

Joe, a 42-year-old man with high blood pressure and obesity, was on a business trip in Las Vegas when he had a few drinks one evening. The next morning, he suddenly felt his heart racing and became lightheaded. Concerned, he went to a nearby hospital, where he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heartbeat, and started on a blood thinner called Eliquis to help prevent clots.  

When I saw him in the office after he returned home, he was still in AFib and wasn’t feeling well. Since this was his first episode and he continued to have symptoms, we performed a cardioversion, a procedure that restores the heart’s normal rhythm. Afterward, we talked about the importance of lifestyle changes. Joe committed to cutting out alcohol and focused on losing weight. Since making those changes, he’s felt great and hasn’t had any more episodes of AFib. 

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is the most common heart rhythm disturbance. About 10% of people over 80 develop this condition that causes an irregular or rapid heartbeat.  Some people may feel their heart flutter or race, while others don’t notice any symptoms at all. But even if AFib doesn’t cause discomfort, it can increase the risk of serious problems, such as stroke or heart failure. That’s why early diagnosis and proper care are so important. 

What is AFib?

AFib happens when the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat very fast and chaotically, out of sync with the lower chambers (the ventricles). Instead of a steady rhythm, the heartbeat becomes uneven or too fast. This can make it harder for the heart to pump blood properly. 

Common symptoms of AFib

Not everyone with AFib experiences symptoms, but those who do might notice: 

• Racing or fluttering heartbeat 
• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded 
• Shortness of breath 
• Fatigue or weakness 
• Chest discomfort 

If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Even if symptoms come and go, AFib can still pose a risk to your health.  In 2-5% of cases, stroke is the initial manifestation of AFib. 

How is AFib diagnosed?

Doctors use several tools to check for AFib, including: 

• Electrocardiogram (EKG) – A simple, non-invasive, and in-office test that records your heart’s electrical activity. 
• Holter monitor – A portable device worn for a day or more to track your heart’s rhythm. 
• Event monitor – A device that records heart activity when you feel symptoms. 
• Echocardiogram – An ultrasound that helps doctors see the heart’s structure and function. 
• Consumer-grade smartphone-paired devices and smartwatches are playing more and more roles in early detecting AFib. 

Treatment options for AFib

 The main goals of the treatment of AFib are symptom relief, stroke prevention, and risk factor modification. Treatment options may include: 

• Medications – Some drugs help slow the heart rate or restore a normal rhythm. Blood thinners are often prescribed to lower the risk of stroke. 
• Lifestyle changes – Avoiding alcohol, reducing stress, weight loss, and staying active can help reduce the risk of AFib. 
• Procedures – In some cases, treatments like cardioversion (a controlled electric shock to reset the heart’s rhythm) or ablation (a procedure to target the heart tissue causing the irregular beats) may be needed. 

When to see a doctor about AFib

If you notice an irregular heartbeat, don’t ignore it. AFib is a serious condition, but with the right care, it can be managed. The sooner it’s diagnosed and treated, the better your chances of preventing complications and having better outcomes. 

If you’re concerned about your heart health, schedule an appointment with your doctor or a heart specialist. At Elliot Heart and Vascular Center, we’re here to help you keep your heart strong and healthy. 

For more information about the range of care we provide, visit elliothospital.org/cardiology. Are you ready to take charge of your heart health? Call Elliot Heart and Vascular Center today to schedule a consultation at 603-627-1669 or visit our website.   

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 Tong Zhu, MD, PhD, FACC, specializes in cardiovascular disease and clinical cardiac electrophysiology in practice at Elliot Heart and Vascular Center.