The Most Common Condition: How to Stay on Top of Atrial Fibrillation

Author

Lee Health

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Lee Health

Posted on

Apr 29, 2021

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

share-this
Share This
For more information on Lee Health, CLICK HERE.


Shortness of breath. Heart palpitations. Fatigue. A flutter or a pounding feeling in your chest. Even feeling like you might pass out.
These are symptoms of atrial fibrillation(A-Fib), the most common type of heart arrhythmia in the United States. Nearly 2.7 to 6.1 million people here have it, and the number is expected to increase, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr. Paul DiGiorgi, a cardiothoracic surgeon with Shipley Cardiothoracic Center at Lee Health, hears all kinds of questions from patients who are diagnosed with A-Fib.
Many people don't even know they have A-Fib in the first place. So its a very common disease process, especially as you get older, he says.
What is A-Fib?
Your heart has four chambers two in the front and two in the back. But when these chambers stop working together, that's when patients are at risk for A-Fib.
Sometimes you are going in and out of A-Fib, and you don't even feel it. Many other people notice it right away. Patients present very differently, Dr. DiGiorgi says.
Patients may feel shortness of breath, heart palpitations such as a rapid beat or pounding, fatigue, chest pain, or even pass out. Unfortunately, the patients who don't know they have A-Fib sometimes present for the first time with a stroke, he said.
Know Your Risk Factors
A-Fib is one of the most undertreated heart diseases but a simple EKG test can determine if patients are living with the disease.
The older you are, the more likely you are to have it. It is related to other issues, such as hyperthyroid, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, Dr. DiGiorgi said.
Common medical issues associated with A-Fib are lung problems such as COPD or pneumonia, sleep apnea, hormone imbalances or other cardiac diseases such as coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease.
Obesity can also put patients at risk for developing A-Fi which is why doctors say if patients can improve their lifestyle, many times they can lower their risk.
Things like smoking cessation, controlling your high blood pressure, controlling your diabetes, controlling your caffeine intake these are all major components to success or failure of any treatment, he said.
Treatment Options
The good news is that there are several treatment options available.
Medications and lifestyle changes, which are very important no matter what anybody does for you, and catheter ablations have been successful, Dr. DiGiorgi said.
Another option is a minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon removes tiny areas of the heart that are causing abnormal electrical impulses.
What is the right treatment plan for each individual? It has to be sort of a customized plan for each person. A-Fib is very complex, and everybody has a slightly different level of complexity with it, especially when you talk about how long they have had it, Dr. DiGiorgi said.
Patients with A-Fib may have no symptoms, so if a patient has risk factors its important they meet with their doctor.
First of all, get checked out because many people have A-Fib and don't even know they have it. Number two, find out as much as you can about it and what your options are, and be aggressive about getting answers to your questions and getting solutions to your problems, Dr. DiGiorgi said.

Symptoms, Education, Treatment

Cardiology
Highly trained experts keeping your heart healthy by preventing, evaluating, and treating a wide variety of cardiovascular conditions.



Reach Out to Learn More
Located at HealthPark Medical Center in Fort Myers, Shipley Cardiothoracic Center takes a revolutionary approach to improving healthcare in Southwest Florida. Lee Health has been caring for patients for more than 100 years, and cardiothoracic surgery has existed here for more than 40 years.


Other Articles You May Like

Type II Diabetes- The Basics

There are two main types. Type I (Juvenile) and Type II Type 2 diabetes is much more common and is typically caused by lifestyle choices. Unlike type I, the pancreas can make insulin, but not enough. This leads to the sugar being left in the blood stream instead of being pushed into the cell for an energy source.Some risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes:weightinactivityfamily historyhigh LDL cholesterol levelsAge over 45prediabetesComplications of type 2 diabetes:blood vessel disease nerve damage impaired healing heart disease stroke kidney disease eye damage dementiaPeople with type 2 diabetes, on average, have a shortened life expectancy by about 10 years.You can prevent type 2 diabetes by: eating properly exercise losing weightBalancing your nutrition with the proper amounts of proteins, carbs and fat not only helps you look better, have more energy and confidence but it also prevents chronic disease. Over 80% of chronic disease is preventable through lifestyle modification!

Hypertension- The Silent Killer

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common condition medical professionals call the silent killer. Silent because having elevated blood pressure often goes undetected for years or decades as it slowly causes fatal changes throughout the body, leading to death. Common comorbidities of prolonged hypertension include: kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, angina, dementia, vision loss, blindness, sexual dysfunction, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, fatigue, artery damage, blood clots, and much more. Unfortunately, many individuals do not know or treat hypertension until the damage has already taken place. But it's not too late. There are many methods and options available to treat and eliminate this life threatening condition. The traditional method of treating hypertension consists of a doctor's visit, finding of hypertension, a series of cardiac studies, and then being prescribed medication.Often this is accompanied by a diagnosis of genetic hypertension, familial hypertension, secondary hypertension or idiopathic hypertension (unknown cause). Regardless of the diagnosis, the underlying cause  can go unnoticed and untreated. Frankly, because there is not enough time and individuality to this approach. The band aid approach. So what's a normal blood pressure? Ideally 120/60.When does blood pressure become dangerous? When your systolic pressure (the first number) rises above and sustains above 150 you should be concerned.Long term effects of elevated blood pressure leads to interior vessel damage and therefore creates even more of a risk to you such as narrowing of the blood vessel, clotting and arteriosclerosis. So what generally leads to hypertension?Some causes for hypertension include obesity, hypernatremia or high sodium, lack of exercise, elevated homocysteine, sleep deprivation, substance use, smoking, stress, hypercholesterol or high fats in the blood, diabetes, kidney dysfunction, lung disease, diet and age.Getting to the core issue and addressing the primary cause or causes of hypertension is the ideal treatment. Unfortunately this is often challenging and time consuming for individuals to navigate themselves. They find there is no direct guidance from medical professionals. Instead the medication seems to be the end all be all approach. Most providers are unfortunately taught this method in school and are not programmed to use a holistic approach.Depending on the cause of hypertension, there are methods and scientifically proven lifestyle changes that can eliminate the silent killer in your life, without having to take medication with harmful side effects. Here are some general non-specific ways to treat hypertension:1. Sodium. Water follows salt. The more salt you digest, the more water that attaches to it. This fills up the veins and arteries, and the pressure makes the heart have to work harder to pump. By reducing sodium intake, we reduce the amount of fluid in our vascular space and lessen the workload of the heart. 2. Quit smoking. Smoking causes damage to the inside of our vessels, contributes to blood clotting, and damages your lungs. The damage in your lungs causes a backup of blood flow.3. Exercise. Your heart is its own muscle and requires exercise. When we exercise, we require the heart to improve endurance. Therefore when we are at rest, it has an easier time pumping blood.4. Diet. Eating a well balanced diet can reduce excess cholesterol. Bad cholesterol component that accumulates inside your vessels. When this happens, the opening becomes smaller making the heart have to pump harder to push through.5. Weight loss. Losing excess weight means the body needs less blood to feed extra tissue. When we lose weight, we reduce the need for the heart to pump harder to feed the excess mass. The extra pumping causes the heart muscle to become large then sets into other diseases, such as heart failure.6. Stress reduction. Stress induces a response in our body, causing inflammation,  increasing our heart rate and narrowing our vessels. This again causes the heart to have to pump harder and thus increases our blood pressure.Utilizing an experienced certified nurse and wellness coach can bridge the gap between lifestyle modification and optimal health. By utilizing this approach, you can obtain a personal and individualized plan and treatment for hypertension and other ailments concurrently. To learn more about a specific plan designed for you or to schedule a free consultation, click below. I would be happy to see if we are a good fit to work together and begin living the life you were designed for and the care you deserve. 

Collier County Earns Major Bond Rating Upgrade: What It Means for You

Moodys recently upgraded Collier Countys Series 2018 Tourist Development Tax Revenue Bonds by two notchesfrom Aa3 to Aa1an uncommon and impressive achievement. This upgrade reflects the countys financial strength, fueled by growing tourism revenues and strategic fiscal management.Why This MattersThis upgrade allows Collier County to borrow at lower interest rates, potentially saving taxpayers millions. For senior citizens, this means: Improved Services: Savings can possibly fund critical projects such as better transportation, healthcare facilities, and senior centers. Tax Stability: Lower borrowing costs help keep property taxes steady, a relief for those on fixed incomes. Enhanced Quality of Life: A strong tourism economy supports parks, cultural activities, and infrastructure which many seniors can enjoy.This achievement highlights the countys commitment to financial responsibility and delivering lasting benefits for Collier County residents of all ages.For more details, contact Derek M. Johnssen at (239) 252-7863 or visit emma.msrb.org.#CollierCounty #FinancialStrength #SeniorLiving

Local Services By This Author

Lee Health - Orthopedic Conditions

Orthopedic Conditions , Fort Myers, Florida,

Lee Health is a leading healthcare provider in Southwest Florida, offering award-winning care and comprehensive services to meet the diverse needs of our community. Our mission is to provide quality service with personal attention, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care.At Lee Health, we understand that finding the right care can be overwhelming. That's why we offer a range of services, from in-person care to virtual visits, urgent care, and emergency care, to ensure that you can access the care you need, when you need it. Our team of experienced physicians and specialists are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care to each and every patient.In addition to our clinical services, Lee Health is committed to providing resources and support to our community. Through our learning center, blog, and webinars, we strive to educate and empower individuals to take control of their health and wellness.As part of our commitment to excellence, Lee Health is currently conducting an evaluation of our business structure to ensure that we are meeting the highest standards of quality and efficiency. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our services, find a doctor, and discover how Lee Health can help you and your family live healthier lives.

Lee Health - Stem Cell Therapy

Stem Cell Therapy , Fort Myers, Florida,

Lee Health is a leading healthcare provider in Southwest Florida, offering award-winning care and comprehensive services to meet the diverse needs of our community. Our mission is to provide quality service with personal attention, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care.At Lee Health, we understand that finding the right care can be overwhelming. That's why we offer a range of services, from in-person care to virtual visits, urgent care, and emergency care, to ensure that you can access the care you need, when you need it. Our team of experienced physicians and specialists are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care to each and every patient.In addition to our clinical services, Lee Health is committed to providing resources and support to our community. Through our learning center, blog, and webinars, we strive to educate and empower individuals to take control of their health and wellness.As part of our commitment to excellence, Lee Health is currently conducting an evaluation of our business structure to ensure that we are meeting the highest standards of quality and efficiency. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our services, find a doctor, and discover how Lee Health can help you and your family live healthier lives.

Lee Health - Urologists

Urologists , Fort Myers, Florida,

Lee Health is a leading healthcare provider in Southwest Florida, offering award-winning care and comprehensive services to meet the diverse needs of our community. Our mission is to provide quality service with personal attention, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care.At Lee Health, we understand that finding the right care can be overwhelming. That's why we offer a range of services, from in-person care to virtual visits, urgent care, and emergency care, to ensure that you can access the care you need, when you need it. Our team of experienced physicians and specialists are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care to each and every patient.In addition to our clinical services, Lee Health is committed to providing resources and support to our community. Through our learning center, blog, and webinars, we strive to educate and empower individuals to take control of their health and wellness.As part of our commitment to excellence, Lee Health is currently conducting an evaluation of our business structure to ensure that we are meeting the highest standards of quality and efficiency. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our services, find a doctor, and discover how Lee Health can help you and your family live healthier lives.