Understanding AFib
Atrial fibrillation, often called AFib or AF, is the most common type of heart arrhythmia affecting 3 million Americans. Whether you've been diagnosed with AFib, are looking to learn more about the condition, or for ways to support a loved one with AFib, we want to give you the tools you need to help you reach your goals.
What is AFib?
The heart has four chambers, which usually beat in a steady rhythm. An abnormal heart rhythm, or arrhythmia, is when the heart doesn’t beat in a steady or regular pattern. AFib is one type of arrhythmia, which occurs when the heart beats too fast or in an irregular rhythm.
AFib is caused by a disruption of the electrical signals that tell your heart when to pump blood. This disruption may be as a result of coronary heart disease, diabetes, pericarditis, sleep apnea or other related conditions.
If you have AFib, you may experience these symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Light-headedness
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
The normal heart rate for an adult is between 60 and 100 beats every minute. With AFib, the atria can beat over 300 times every minute which can cause the ventricles to beat fast and irregularly. AFib itself is not dangerous but, if left untreated, the side effects can be life-threatening.
If you have AFib, ongoing medical care with your health care provider is very important.
Find heart care at a Main Line Health location near you
Lankenau Heart Institute is the region's most comprehensive health care resource, with a team of cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons and vascular surgeons who offer advanced services and expertise across a full spectrum of cardiovascular care. Through a team approach, we’re able to provide a seamless continuum of care that ensures patients’ needs are being met—both in the community and in the hospital when needed.
You can find our heart care team at Main Line Health’s four acute care hospitals, or view a full list of locations, including specialty treatment centers.
Lankenau Medical Center & Heart Pavilion
100 East Lancaster Avenue
Wynnewood, PA 19096
Bryn Mawr Hospital
130 South Bryn Mawr Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Paoli Hospital
255 West Lancaster Avenue
Paoli, PA 19301
Riddle Hospital
1068 West Baltimore Pike
Media, PA 19063
How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?
There are several tests that are done when someone has a fast or irregular heartbeat. Your doctor may order these tests if you are having signs or symptoms of a heart problem.
After a physical examination, your doctor may order one or more of the following tests:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)—an ECG is a snapshot of your heart’s electrical activity. Stickers (electrodes) are attached to your chest, arms and legs. These electrodes measure the rate and rhythm of your heart.
- Holter monitor—a portable ECG that is typically worn for 24 hours, but can be worn for several days. It records the electrical activity of your heart for 24-48 hours for your doctor to review later.
Management and prevention of AFib
There are plenty of ways to manage AFib, and many of these methods can be used to prevent the condition, too. Whether you’re looking for treatment or prevention, talk with your doctor about:
Lifestyle changes: For some people, AFib is not preventable. However, adopting a balanced, healthy lifestyle will often reduce the risk of developing a heart condition such as AFib. Try following these healthy lifestyle habits:
- Follow a healthy diet
- Reduce salt intake
- Quit smoking
- Reduce stress
- Minimize alcohol intake
- Minimize the use of caffeine and other stimulants
Medications: Some medications can help minimalize AFib symptoms. These can include heart rhythm control medications, heart rate control medications and blood thinning medications (which can also reduce your risk of stroke).
When medications don't work to correct or control AFib or when medications aren't tolerated, there are procedures that may keep the heart beating normally and prevent stroke.
- Cardioversion therapy
- Permanent pacemaker
- Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC)
- Catheter ablation
- Maze procedure
- Hybrid AF therapy (Convergent procedure)
At Main Line Health, patients have access to more options than ever before. These include safe, breakthrough technologies and treatments. Our cardiac physicians have been involved in research resulting in FDA-approved blood-thinning medications and devices to reduce stroke risk.
If your loved one has AFib, what does that mean for you?
If you’re looking for ways to support someone who has AFib, learning about the condition is the first step. Other ways you can provide support include:
- Provide emotional support and become involved in lifestyle changes.
- Be an advocate at medical appointments by asking questions and writing down instructions.
- Monitor medications and give reminders to take the right doses.
- Learn all you can and participate in treatment decisions.
What are the risk factors for developing AFib?
Risk factors to watch for include, but are not limited to:
- Being age 65 and older
- Family history of arrhythmia
- Diabetes
- Heart disease (such as prior heart attack)
- Heart failure
- Heart valve problems
- High blood pressure
- Hyperthyroidism
- Sleep apnea
AFib increases the risk of stroke
As a result of the heart’s fluttering or irregular rhythm, some blood remains in its upper chambers. This blood can pool, and a clot may form. These clots can travel to the brain and may result in a stroke. A stroke occurs if the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a portion of the brain is blocked or if there is sudden bleeding in the brain. This may lead to lasting brain damage, disability, or death.
Stroke risk is increased 5x in patients with AFib.
Supporting a healthy heart with healthy meals
While no diet in particular can guarantee a healthy brain or body, many physicians recommend following the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Legumes (beans and lentils)
- Whole grains
- Healthy fats (including nuts, seeds, olives and olive oils)
- Flavoring foods with sodium alternatives like lemon and herbs
- Including seafood a few times per week
- Limiting red meat intake
Ginger miso salmon bowl with quick pickled cucumbers
Avocados are a great source of healthy fat and may provide a lot of the same benefits as oils and nuts do within the Mediterranean diet. Here’s a great, heart-healthy recipe to try, featuring heart-healthy salmon and avocado:
