Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart issue that affects many adults. Do you know the risk factors of AFib, and the symptoms to watch out for?
At Advanced Cardiac Care PLLC, cardiologist Dr. Michael Avaricio and his team have the expertise on AFib that you can trust. We diagnose and treat this common arrhythmia from our office in the Ozone Park area of Queens, New York.
Your heart contains four chambers. Usually, your heart beats at a steady rate and rhythm that moves blood through these chambers in a regular pattern.
AFib disrupts this rhythm, however. It causes the two upper heart chambers, the atria, to beat chaotically and irregularly. That affects the rate of blood flow through your heart, a potentially serious cardiac and whole-body health issue.
It’s not always easy to identify AFib symptoms. Your AFib symptoms can be temporary, a few minutes or hours. Or, they can develop into a continual stressor in your life.
Common AFib symptoms include:
Heart problems like AFib also reduce your stamina and endurance when you try to exercise.
Without the right treatment, AFib can lead to serious complications like heart failure, as well as uncomfortable, persistent symptoms like swelling in your abdomen and extremities, severe fatigue, and problems with breathing while lying down. Untreated AFib can also lead to a blood clot that causes a stroke or heart attack.
You’re at a heightened risk of AFib if you have medical conditions like:
If your heart is affected by sick sinus syndrome, you can develop AFib.
Your behaviors and lifestyle also impact your risk levels when it comes to AFib. Your risk of AFib goes up if you use caffeine or other stimulants to excess, or if you smoke. Depending on your other risk factors, you might need to make changes in your daily routine to protect your heart health.
Talk to Dr. Avaricio about the best AFib prevention plan for you.
Dr. Avaricio and the team at Advanced Cardiac Care PLLC offer on-site evaluation and treatment for AFib and other cardiac issues. We use diagnostic testing to learn more about your condition, then get started working toward the treatment goal of restoring your normal heartbeat and protecting your heart from long-term damage.
Depending on your treatment needs, Dr. Avaricio may suggest oral medications to even out your heart rate, or blood-thinning medications to reduce your risk of stroke. He may also recommend nonsurgical treatments such as electrical cardioversion, a procedure that can reset your heart’s rhythm.
AFib ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that may be right for you. Or, you may need pacemaker placement to control your heartbeat.
For all of the care you need around atrial fibrillation, contact Dr. Avaricio and the team at Advanced Cardiac Care PLLC today. Request your appointment online or call now to book.
