AN abnormal heartbeat can affect Irish people of all ages, but if untreated, it can lead to heart failure.
That is according to Blackrock Health’s Dr John Keaney, who is an expert in cardiac health.
This week is Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week, which aims to inform people about the condition, which is the most common heartbeat abnormality in Ireland.
It can see people’s heartbeat become irregular and in some cases it can be more than 100 beats every minute.
Dr Keaney says if untreated or undiagnosed, AFib can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure.
Here, he answers questions about Atrial fibrillation and how it affects Irish people.
WHAT IS ATRIAL FIBRILLATION?
ATRIAL fibrillation, commonly referred to as “AFib” or “AF”, is a heart condition where the heart rhythm is irregular and, in many cases, very fast, above 100 beats per minute.
AFib is the most common arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) in Ireland. It can affect people of any age but is more common in older individuals.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
An irregular heart rhythm caused by AFib can present a variety of symptoms, including dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
People living with atrial fibrillation may also experience heart palpitations, which can feel like a fluttering, pounding, or irregular beating in the chest. These can persist for a few seconds or several minutes at a time.
Leading cardiologist Dr John Keaney of Blackrock Health says: “The most important thing is that people recognise the symptoms, and when something is not right, seek appropriate action with a medical professional.”
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
According Dr Keaney, there are a number of ways atrial fibrillation can present.
Dr Keaney said: “AFib can be asymptomatic, meaning that individuals may be unaware of their irregular heart rhythm.
“AFib is commonly discovered during routine check-ups, when a simple pulse check reveals an irregular heartbeat.
“In some cases, symptoms can be more subtle, such as fatigue or shortness of breath, prompting people to go for tests to investigate.
“In some circumstances, AFib results in a racing heartbeat, at 150 beats per minute or more, which should lead someone to an emergency department or specialist cardiac care unit, bringing this heart condition into sharp focus.
“In more severe cases, AFib goes undetected until it leads to a serious complication such as a stroke. This is why awareness of the condition is so crucial.”
HOW IS AFIB TREATED?
While AFib is not typically life-threatening in itself, it can significantly increase the risk of stroke. The irregular heart rhythm can also be uncomfortable and often needs medical intervention.
Dr Keaney says: “Treatment for AFib is tailored to the individual and may include medications to control heart rate/rhythm or to prevent stroke.
“People with AFib may also undergo cardioversion, which is a procedure that involves delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart, aiming to reset it back into a normal rhythm, or catheter ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to target and disable the area within the heart responsible for the irregular rhythm.”
WHERE CAN I GO FOR TREATMENT?
If you think you are experiencing irregular heart rhythm, speak to your GP or you can attend Blackrock Health’s Rapid Cardiac Care service, with or without a GP referral.
Dr Keaney adds: “Thankfully, once diagnosed, AFib is treatable and early intervention is key.
“New technologies are emerging all the time and whether it is through medication or advanced procedures like ablation, the goal is to restore a normal heart rhythm and reduce the risk of complications.”
HOW IMPORTANT ARE LIFESTYLE CHANGES?
Dr Keaney says: “Living a heart-healthy lifestyle is important to support management of AFib.
“This means incorporating regular exercise into your routine, aiming for at least 150 minutes a week.
“Maintaining a healthy weight, cutting back on alcohol, quitting smoking and managing blood pressure are also essential.
“Other underlying health conditions should be managed such as thyroid issues and sleep apnoea, as they can play a role in AFib.”
- To find out more, visit Blackrockhealth.com/rapid-cardiac-care. If you think you are experiencing a heart attack or stroke, dial 999 immediately.
