September is Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month and Portneuf Heart and Vascular Institute (PHVI) is helping raise awareness about this common disorder. Atrial fibrillation (Afib) affects millions of Americans, and some live with the condition unknowingly. PHVI is dedicated to reducing the impact of this condition through education and delivering expert care to patients experiencing Afib.
Afib is a condition in which the upper chambers of a person’s heart beat out of sync with the lower chambers. This causes an abnormal heartbeat that can be rapid, too slow or irregular. Symptoms include irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness.
For patients who experience these symptoms, it is important to seek the care of a cardiologist. Some may be referred to an electrophysiologist, which is a cardiologist specializing in the heart’s electrical system and heart rhythm issues.
“Afib puts patients at an increased risk for heart failure due to the extra strain on the heart and an increased risk for blood clots,” said Lynn Otto, MD, electrophysiologist at PHVI. “There are many factors that can increase your risk of Afib, including high blood pressure, age, obesity, family history of Afib, tobacco use, alcohol use, and other chronic conditions.”
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) or rhythm monitoring system may be used to confirm or identify Afib. Wearable devices, such as smartwatches, may help in identifying Afib by reporting irregular heartbeats.
Treatment options for Afib are determined by the severity of symptoms, how long a patient has had Afib, and the cause of the condition. Medications – often the first line of treatment – are used to control the heart’s rate and rhythm and other medications are used to prevent blood formation and stroke.
If medication alone does not correct the heart rhythm, other procedures may be recommended. A catheter ablation is a procedure in which a long, thin tube is inserted in a large blood vessel in the groin and fed up to the heart. A physician uses heat or cooling to create a layer of scar tissue that interrupts the irregular signals and restores normal heart rhythm. Dr. Otto and her experienced team specialize in the management of Afib using techniques such as catheter ablation.
“All treatment options share the goal of reducing the risk of stroke and correcting the abnormal heart rhythm,” said Dr. Otto. “A large factor in Afib treatment is the continuous use of blood thinners to prevent a stroke. Blood thinners, while effective, can be costly, may increase a patient’s risk of bleeding, and can require a patient to follow dietary restrictions.”
The Watchman device is implanted in patients with Afib to reduce the risk of stroke and eliminate the need for blood thinners. The Watchman procedure begins with a small incision in the upper leg, where a catheter is inserted into the body through the femoral vein. The Watchman device is guided to the left side of the heart and then to the left atrial appendage for placement. After the area is measured, the device is set in place and anchored. Once in place, the device seals off the left atrial appendage, preventing future blood clots.
“Portneuf remains at the forefront of cardiovascular care in our region,” said Dr. Otto, who has implanted more than 200 Watchman devices. “It is our mission to deliver the highest quality care to our patients with the best possible outcomes.”
PHVI encourages those with risk factors for Afib to visit their primary care provider or their general cardiologist to discuss Afib. To learn more about Afib or the Watchman device, visit Portneuf.org/hearts.
During the month of September, Portneuf will be sharing information about Afib on their Facebook page at Facebook.com/PortneufMedicalCenter.