One of the most common forms of irregular heartbeat, atrial fibrillation (Afib) affects your atria, the upper chambers of your heart. The regular impulses that usually control your heartbeat misfire and send rapid and random signals that can’t pump blood efficiently.
Cardiologist César R. Molina, M.D., FACC in Mountain View, California, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Afib and its fluttering effects on your heartbeat. There are many myths and misconceptions about Afib, so to help you understand the condition better, we’ve prepared a list that debunks six of the most common Afib myths.
While the events of an Afib episode happen completely within your heart, the effects of an episode can cause problems around your body if left untreated. Stroke is one serious risk that Afib can cause.
Bleeding in your brain, digestive system, and urinary tract are also more likely when you have Afib. Blood thinning medication is a key Afib treatment, but it can make active bleeding harder to stop.
Increasing age is an Afib risk factor, but getting older isn’t the only time this heart condition develops. Anyone of any age can develop this type of irregular heart rhythm.
When Afib first starts, episodes may be mild, hard to detect, and of short duration. This might lull you into thinking it was a momentary condition that resolved itself. However, Afib is a chronic condition that’s with you for a lifetime. Without treatment, your episodes become stronger, more frequent, and long-lasting.
There are a wide range of treatment options for Afib and a vast majority of Afib patients maintain a normal life when Dr. Molina develops a treatment strategy for them. While treatment may not eliminate all Afib episodes, they’ll be reduced in duration and frequency.
While Afib episodes are a form of heart palpitations, they’re hardly the only form. “Palpitation” is a general and non-specific description of any fast or unusual heartbeat. If you have heart palpitations, though, you should visit Dr. Molina for an exam and diagnosis.
While pacemakers and ablation surgery are two treatment options for Afib, these invasive procedures aren’t automatically part of an Afib treatment plan. There are three goals for Afib treatment:
Medications can sometimes achieve these goals, making heart surgery unnecessary.
Atrial fibrillation is a serious health threat, but it’s a manageable condition with personalized care. Book an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Molina and our team to learn more about your options. Call or click to schedule your appointment today.
