Atrial fibrillation can increase stroke risk if left untreated
Atrial fibrillation may not be life-threatening on its own, but the common heart rhythm disorder can significantly increase the risk of stroke if left untreated.
“Afib is an irregular and often fast heart rhythm,” said Venkata (Annie) Narla, MD, electrophysiologist with Beacon Medical Group Advanced Cardiology Specialists in South Bend, during a WVPE radio interview for National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month in September. “When you’re in Afib, the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria, are quivering and beating very chaotically and irregularly instead of contracting normally.”
Because blood can pool in the upper chambers of the heart, clots can form and travel to the brain, causing a stroke.
“It’s important to know that Afib itself isn’t life-threatening, but it is a serious condition that needs proper treatment in order to prevent stroke from happening,” Dr. Narla said.
Listen to the full interview here.
One challenge with atrial fibrillation is that symptoms can be easy to miss. Some people experience noticeable symptoms, while others have none at all. Common symptoms include a fast fluttering or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, lightheadedness, shortness of breath and weakness.
“Everybody feels Afib differently,” Dr. Narla said.
The risk of developing atrial fibrillation increases with age, but other factors can play a role as well. Family history, smoking, excessive alcohol use, obesity, high blood pressure and thyroid disease can all increase risk. Dr. Narla also noted that electrolyte imbalances can affect the heart’s electrical system and contribute to abnormal heart rhythms.
Healthy lifestyle choices may help reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation and other forms of heart disease.
Dr. Narla encourages people to control conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, avoid tobacco products, maintain a healthy weight and eat a nutritious diet low in salt and saturated fat. She also recommends regular exercise, adequate sleep and stress management.
“Adults should aim for on average seven to nine hours of sleep each night,” she said. “Stress is also a very common trigger for Afib.”
Dr. Narla urges people to pay attention to symptoms that seem unusual and see a provider when concerns arise. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of serious complications, including stroke.
