September is Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month

9/10/2021

Local interventional cardiologists raise awareness on atrial fibrillation and its connection to stroke

A fluttering heart isn’t always romantic – it can also be a sign of a health condition called atrial fibrillation. Often called AFib or AF, atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat, is a common heart condition affecting nearly 4 million people in the United States and growing. An estimated 12.1 million Americans will have AFib by 2030, according to studies.

While the condition, on its own, generally is not life-threatening, it can be a significant risk factor for stroke – a leading cause of death and disability.

Dr. Joaquin G. Cigarroa IV, an interventional cardiologist at Cigarroa Heart and Vascular Institute and a member of the medical staff at Laredo Medical Center, says AFib increases an individual’s risk of stroke by 4 to 6 times on average. But many people don’t know what atrial fibrillation is, or if they have it.

“Atrial fibrillation, a disorder involving the speed and rhythm of the heartbeat, occurs when the upper chambers of the heart do not contract in proper synchronization with the lower chambers,” says Dr. Cigarroa. “This fibrillation, or quivering, of the heart’s upper chambers – instead of a steady, full contraction – produces a rapid and irregular heart rate.”

Dr. Ricardo J.G. Cigarroa II, who is also an interventional cardiologist at Cigarroa Heart and Vascular Institute and a member of the medical staff at Laredo Medical Center, says a healthy heart contracts 60 to 80 times per minute, but the upper chambers of a fibrillating heart quiver 300 to 400 times a minute, making the heart operate as though it’s enduring a marathon, even if the person is relaxing in a chair.

“This irregular beating pattern means that the heart is not properly pumping blood, which can result in poor blood flow, blood pooling in the heart’s chambers, and the potential for blood clots to form – a stroke risk,” says Dr. Cigarroa II.

Some people with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms at all; others may have the following symptoms:

• Rapid, irregular heartbeat
• Fluttering, “flopping” or thumping sensation in the chest
• Fatigue, especially when exercising
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Excessive sweating
• Chest pain or pressure

Atrial fibrillation may only happen periodically, with symptoms that come and go, or it may be a chronic, long-term condition. The risk of developing atrial fibrillation increases with age. Men tend to develop the condition more often than women, but women with atrial fibrillation have a higher risk of stroke than men do.

Even though a stroke occurs in the brain, heart health plays an important role in helping to prevent stroke. The most common cause of atrial fibrillation is long-term, uncontrolled high blood pressure and heart disease. A broad range of other triggers can contribute to atrial fibrillation, from certain health conditions to lifestyle choices: heart disease, hyperthyroidism, emphysema, asthma, obesity, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, excess alcohol consumption, smoking or caffeine use, and even extreme stress or fatigue.

“The good news is, atrial fibrillation – and its associated stroke risk – can be reduced by taking good care of your heart. This may range from simply cutting back on caffeine, to addressing an existing health condition such as an overactive thyroid,” says Dr. Joaquin.

Dr. Cigarroa II adds, “Lifestyle remedies that you can implement on your own include eating a healthy diet, being more active, losing excess weight, and taking steps to lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol.”

If you are experiencing symptoms, or concerned about your risk, talk with your doctor. The right treatment is different for each person, and may be as simple as visiting your physician regularly for heart rate monitoring, or may require daily medication to control symptoms and prevent complications. In severe cases medical devices (such as a pacemaker) or surgery to repair the heart’s electrical system and return it to a normal rhythm may be necessary.

For more information, click on “Services” and then “Heart Care” or call (956) 796-3223.

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