Page 17 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - February '25

Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens, Page 17
Detecting And Treating Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

With February being the month to raise awareness
for your heart, it’s an ideal time to emphasize the
importance of detecting and treating AFib. AFib is a type
of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) that causes numerous
debilitating symptoms.
Symptoms of AFib range from fatigue, chest
palpitations or pounding, chest pain or pressure, difficulty
breathing, dizziness or fainting.
Unfortunately, some patients are found to have AFib
only after having a stroke. Some people with AFib feel
no symptoms at all.
Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center offers a variety of
minimally invasive treatment options for AFib and is on
the forefront of procedure options for this potentially life-
threatening condition. Leaving persistent AFib untreated
can lead to blood clots, stroke and heart failure, as well
as other heart-related complications.
The heart has groups of specialized cells that generate
electrical impulses that travel through natural pathways
from the top chambers to the bottom chambers of the heart
(from the atria to the ventricles). These impulses make
the heart contract and pump blood efficiently. In AFib,
there are changes in the structure of the atria that result
in abnormal electrical firing creating uncoordinated and Patients with suspected or proven AFib need a full Dr. Klein concludes, “We have a unique and great
ineffective atrial contractions. Blood can pool in the atria history and physical exam. An electrocardiogram should opportunity to treat patients that have AFib. Treating AFib
forming clots that if dislodged can travel to the brain, be done to confirm the diagnosis. There are devices like successfully improves quality of life, reduces mortality,
causing a stroke. The heartbeat in AFib becomes irregular Holter monitors and event recorders that are worn by the and decreases the potential for developing strokes and
and can result in very fast or slow heart rates because of patient and monitor the heart during days or weeks. All other cardiac conditions.”
this abnormal electrical activation. patients with AFib should have an echocardiogram done by For more information about AFib treatment available
As an electrophysiologist on the medical staff of a cardiologist to detect any underlying heart disease. Blood at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center visit https://www.
Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, Dr. Matthew Klein thinners are indicated if the risk for stroke is significant. palmbeachhealthnetwork.com/services/heart-care or call
encourages patients to seek medical attention immediately Treatment options depend on how long, often, and (561) 622-1411.
if they are experiencing AFib symptoms, and says, severe the AFib episodes occur. Treatments range from the
“Knowing if a person has AFib is important. It is associated use of medications, noninvasive procedures (cardioversion
with a fivefold increased risk of having a stroke, a threefold and catheter ablation), to hybrid procedures where cardiac
risk of developing heart failure and a twofold risk of both surgeons and electrophysiologists work together to get Advertise in this newspaper.
dementia and mortality. AFib strokes are likely to be more the patient back into a normal heart rhythm.
severe than non-AFib related strokes.” AFib treatment options offered at Palm Beach Gardens
Conditions that predispose patients to develop AFib Medical Center include: For more information
include age over 60, coronary artery disease, heart • Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
failure, high blood pressure, heart valve disease, prior • Convergent Procedure call 561-746-3244
heart surgery, sleep apnea, hyperthyroidism, diabetes and • Laparoscopic Atrial Fibrillation Surgery
alcohol abuse. • Watchman