Atrial fibrillation is the most common abnormal heart rhythm found in the community. As per CDC website, an estimated 12 million people in the United States will have atrial fibrillation.
What makes this abnormal heart rhythm very concerning is the risk of stroke and congestive heart failure associated with this abnormal heart rhythm and that many patients have no symptoms.
The most common symptoms of atrial fibrillation are rapid and irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue and tiredness, and inability to exercise.
Up to 40% of people with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms. Most of them are diagnosed coincidentally during a routine visit to their primary care physician or while performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) before a surgical procedure.
Atrial fibrillation is diagnosed with an ECG and can’t be accurately diagnosed by checking pulse or blood pressure at home.
Atrial fibrillation is more common in people over 65 years old and usually with certain risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, previous heart attack, heart surgery, etc. However, atrial fibrillation can also occur in healthy individuals. There is a possible genetic predisposition that can increase the risk for atrial fibrillation even in healthy individuals.
Currently, there is no recommendation to perform routine ECG screening solely to diagnose atrial fibrillation. However, ECG can be a part of the annual physician exam.
What can I do to help diagnose atrial fibrillation if I have no symptoms?
- Visit your primary care physician at least yearly for routine physician examination including an ECG
- If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should see your physician right away.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
