The Heartbeat of a Crisis: AFib Is Three Times More Prevalent Than Believed
Do you know the silent signals your heart might be sending? A new study has revealed that atrial fibrillation (AFib) is not only more prevalent but also often overlooked. Could you—or someone you love—be part of this hidden epidemic?"
A September 2024 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology finds AFib is three times more common than previous data findings, which were over 2 decades old. The study utilized California’s state-wide healthcare databases to assemble a cohort of adults aged ≥20 years who received hospital-based care in California from 2005 to 2019. International Classification of Diseases codes were used to identify AF and other comorbidities. After reviewing data from more than 29 million adults receiving hospital care in California, researchers found that 2 million adults (6.8%) had atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm. Over time, AF patients became relatively younger, were less likely to be female or White, and were more likely to have hypertension and diabetes. They found that at least when they extrapolated these data to statewide data and the U.S. population. 10.55 million American adults (4.48%) are predicted to have atrial fibrillation. These estimates are three times higher than projections created over 20 years ago. Previously, researchers used data from 1996-1997 to estimate that 3.3 million adults would have atrial fibrillation in 2020.
What is AFib?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm (also called arrhythmia). During arrhythmias, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body, and the lack of blood flow can damage the brain, heart, and other organs. AFib is caused by a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system and is the most common heart irregularity or cardiac arrhythmia.
There are three Types of Atrial Fibrillation:
Paroxysmal AFib refers to AFib that comes and goes on its own. It may last seconds, minutes, hours, or even several days before the heart returns to its normal rhythm. People with this type of AF may have more symptoms than others. As the heart goes in and out of AFib, the pulse rate may change from slow to fast and back again in short periods.
Persistent AFib occurs when the heart does not stop by itself and lasts more than seven days. To help the heart return to a normal rhythm, medications or a special type of electrical shock (called cardioversion) are needed. If no treatment is given, the heart will stay in AFib. If the persistent AFib lasts for more than one year, it is called long-standing persistent AFib.
Permanent is when a normal heart rhythm cannot be restored. Medications, procedures, and controlled electrical shocks do not help return the heart to a normal rhythm.
Atrial fibrillation is generally not life-threatening, and many people live everyday healthy lives with this condition, but it can be uncomfortable and often needs treatment. Since the blood doesn’t properly move from the atria into the ventricles and then onto the rest of the body, it can starve the body of oxygen-rich blood, leaving you feeling weak, tired, or even incapacitated. Even more serious is that the blood that remains in the atria can pool and create blood clots, which may get spawned to the rest of the body, causing a stroke or heart attack. Stroke is not only the number three killer; it is the number one cause of permanent disability. AFib can also overwork the heart and, over a long period, can cause heart failure.
Symptoms of AFib:
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) doesn’t always announce itself with dramatic symptoms, making it easy to overlook. For some, it might feel like a racing heart or fluttering in the chest, while others may only notice fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath. These symptoms can vary widely, and in some cases, AFib may present with no noticeable signs, underscoring the importance of regular check-ups and listening to your body. Here are some symptoms individuals with AFib may experience:
● Feeling over-tired or not having energy (most common)
● Having a pulse that is faster than usual or one that changes between fast and slow
● Being short of breath
● Experiencing heart palpitations (feeling like your heart is racing, pounding, or fluttering)
● Having trouble with everyday exercises or activities
● Experiencing pain, pressure, tightness, or discomfort in your chest
● Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
● Fainting
● Having to use the bathroom more often (increased urination)
Risk factors for AFib
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it’s often tied to a range of risk factors that can increase its likelihood. Age is a significant factor, with risk rising as we age, but it’s not the only one. High blood pressure, the risk for which also increases with advancing age, accounts for about 1 in 5 cases of AFib. Other risk factors include:
● Advancing age
● High blood pressure
● Obesity
● European ancestry
● Diabetes
● Heart failure
● Ischemic heart disease
● Hyperthyroidism
● Chronic kidney disease
● Moderate to heavy alcohol use
● Smoking
● Enlargement of the chambers on the left side of the heart
Understanding these risk factors is key to prevention and early detection, empowering you to take control of your heart health.
Treatment for AFib
There are several treatment options for AFib, which will be based on several factors, including symptoms, the type of AFib (such as paroxysmal or persistent), and the cause of the AFib. Options include:
● Medicines to control the heart’s rhythm and rate
● Blood-thinning medicine to prevent blood clots from forming and reduce stroke risk
● Surgery
● Medicine and healthy lifestyle changes to manage AFib risk factors
Listening to your body and paying attention to your symptoms is crucial. If you experience any of the symptoms we’ve noted, discussing it with a healthcare professional is essential. Only they can determine whether the symptoms indicate AFib or another medical condition. Seeking medical attention early may help reduce the risk of AFib contributing to a more serious condition such as stroke. You must do what’s best for you and your health now.
ACLS Academy is an authorized American Heart Association (AHA)- Aligned Training Center. We have three convenient locations in Massachusetts—Quincy, Bridgewater, and Newton Center—and most of our classes include an online training component. We provide high-quality courses taught by instructors practicing in the medical profession for ACLS, BLS, TNCC, ENPC, NRP, PALS, PALS Plus, PEARS, ACLS- EP, ASLS, Bloodborne Pathogen, HeartSaver CPR/AED, First Aid, and Instructor Courses. Please browse our catalog of courses.