September is National Atrial Fibrillation Month

Atrial fibrillation (also called afib) occurs when the top chambers of the heart (atria) experience an irregular and often rapid heart rate. This irregular rhythm causes the heart contraction to fail causing blood to pool in the chambers.  This ineffective contraction forms blood clots.

It is important to treat afib because these clots travel throughout the body and can cause blockages that lead to stroke, heart attack, fatigue, inconsistent blood supply, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.

1. About 15-20% of strokes are due to afib‍
2. Untreated afib doubles the risk of heart-related deaths‍
3. 2.7 million Americans have afib and many don’t know they have it

1. Medications to treat rate and rhythm  ‍
2. Medications to prevent blood clots
3. Medical interventions (surgical and non-surgical)
   

1. Uncontrolled high blood pressure
2. Complications from heart surgery
3. Damage to the heart’s electrical system from other conditions
4. Hyperthyroidism
5. Caffeine intake
6. Unknown

What are some causes of afib?

How do you prevent serious complications? 

‍Talk to your doctor about your treatment options which can include:

For more information please go to the American Heart Association website.