September is Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month

Nearly 3 million Americans live with a heart condition called atrial fibrillation (AFib) and the CDC says that number could rise to 12 million by 2030. A normal heart rhythm sounds like a steady drum, but AFib sounds like a chaotic drumbeat. People with this condition may be at greater risk of blood clots, heart failure and stroke. September marks National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month—the time to learn more about AFib risk factors, symptoms and treatment options.

Sangeetha Balakrishnan, MD, a cardiologist with Washington Township Medical Foundation, sees patients in Fremont with AFib and other cardiac issues. In addition to board certifications in internal medicine, cardiology, and nuclear cardiology, her medical training included a fellowship in cardiac electrophysiology, which is the study of heart rhythm disorders.

“Some patients with atrial fibrillation can feel it, and some cannot,” explained Dr. Balakrishnan. “Generally, they will experience symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath and fatigue. I also see patients in AFib with a pulse in the 130s who do not realize their heart is beating at too high a rate or out of rhythm.”

AFib Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatments

AFib can be dangerous because it may cause the heart to work harder, weaken the heart muscle, and lead to other medical problems like heart failure and stroke. The risk of AFib increases with age, and one in 10 people over the age of 80 have it. Other risk factors include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, hyperthyroidism, and kidney or lung disease. Lifestyle risk factors for AFib include obesity, smoking and alcohol use.

The process of diagnosing atrial fibrillation usually includes a physical examination along with an electrocardiogram (EKG), ultrasound of the heart, and lab work to check levels of electrolytes, thyroid hormone, potassium, cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c and other AFib indicators found in blood samples.

“Some patients experience sporadic episodes of atrial fibrillation which can make it difficult to diagnose with an EKG. These patients may wear a long-term heart monitor patch, usually for two weeks, so we can track whether the heart goes into AFib, and if so, for how long and often,” said Dr. Balakrishnan.

Treatments for AFib vary because the condition is complex and has many different causes, but generally they fall into two main categories: rate control and rhythm control. Rate control medications, like beta blockers, allow the heart to beat irregularly but at a slower pace. Rhythm control, called cardioversion, stops the atrial fibrillations so the heart can beat regularly again. Electrical cardioversion involves giving the heart an electrical shock through paddles or patches on the chest, while drug cardioversion calls for taking antiarrhythmic drugs. Other AFib treatments include a minimally invasive procedure called catheter ablation, and sometimes blood thinning medications are used to reduce the risk of stroke.

“Since atrial fibrillation can be a silent condition for some people, it’s important to get regular checkups with your physician, especially if you have risk factors for AFib,” advised Dr. Balakrishnan. “If you experience symptoms, request a referral to a cardiologist so you can be tested and treated if needed. It’s important for your heart health, can make you feel better, and may improve your quality of life.”

For more information about Washington Hospital/UCSF Cardiac Services in Fremont, go to whhs.com/heart. To learn more about Dr. Balakrishnan, view her profile on the WTMF page at mywtmf.com/find-adoctor/sangeetha-balakrishnan-md/