Heart Racing or Skipping Beats? Ask Your Cardiologist About AFib

You’ve been feeling fatigued lately and experiencing shortness of breath and dizziness. Sometimes you feel a fluttering in the chest, and your heartbeat is sometimes unusually fast or seems to skip a beat. These are just some of the signs of atrial fibrillation — a condition that, untreated, can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other complications.

The good news is that there are a host of treatments available for this condition, which affects tens of millions of Americans. The cardiologists at the offices of Heartwise Cardiology have had great success working with patients with atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib or AF. We have the latest diagnostic methods for providing an in-depth examination to determine how best to proceed with your case, whether through the use of medications, nonsurgical or surgical procedures. Depending on the severity, the goals include restoring your heart to a normal rhythm; bringing down an overly high heart rate; preventing blood clots and heart failure; and lowering your risk for a stroke.

Older adults and those with a family history of atrial fibrillation are among those at higher risk for AFib, as are those with high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea and other chronic medical conditions. Drinking alcohol to excess can bring it on. AFib also is common among athletes, triggered by a type of rapid heart rate known as tachycardia. And while the condition often presents noticeable symptoms, sometimes AFib is only detected during an examination.

If you or someone in your family has concerns or questions about preventing or treating atrial fibrillation, the cardiologists at the offices of Heartwise Cardiology can put you back on the beat. Our award-winning doctors and support staff provide attentive, state-of-the-art care for our patients that is simply unsurpassed. Don’t delay addressing this potentially serious condition. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.