The Heart in Atrial Fibrillation - A Look Inside Shows How The Condition May Lead to Stroke

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Considering competing priorities and stresses of everyday life, it can be tough to tune in and listen to your body. But when it comes to heart health, it’s vital to be aware of any signs or symptoms that your body might be trying to bring to your attention. Especially for men and women aged 65 and older, one heart condition to be aware of is atrial fibrillation, or AFib, which may initially present as heart flutters, fatigue, or other symptoms described below, that people could perceive as minor. Some people have no symptoms at all.

AFib is a common type of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, that causes the heart to beat too quickly, affecting how the upper and lower chambers of the heart work together. This can cause the lower chambers to not fill completely or pump enough blood to the lungs and body. Because the heart may not be able to pump the blood out properly, the blood may pool and form a clot. If a clot breaks loose and travels to the brain, it could lead to a stroke. In fact, AFib increases risk of stroke by approximately 5 times.

"Patients may dismiss symptoms,” says Andrea Russo, M.D., immediate past-president of the Heart Rhythm Society and director of electrophysiology and arrhythmia services at Cooper University Hospital. Russo explains that AFib symptoms, like extreme fatigue, light headedness, shortness of breath, chest pain or heart flutters might be overlooked or misinterpreted as the result of aging. Even if these symptoms only occur sporadically — for example, you feel your heart beating faster than usual during or after an exercise session or walk around the block — it’s a good idea to describe them in detail to a physician, as AFib symptoms can be intermittent.

Imagine a reoccurring plumbing problem that causes the water to trickle when turning on the kitchen faucet. The low water pressure may be the result of a clogged pipe or possibly something more serious. Regardless, you need a plumber's help to assess the problem, so you call your plumber to schedule a consultation. The same is true when it comes to your heart. Think of reoccurring heart palpitations like reoccurring water pressure problems. There are common reasons heart palpitations may occur, such as exercise or drinking coffee. However, heart palpitations may also be a sign of something more serious, such as atrial fibrillation, so it is important to discuss symptoms with your doctor.

And while some symptoms, like heart palpitations, are heart-related, Russo explains that other symptoms might not be as obvious, including shortness of breath, episodes of dizziness or lightheadedness, or even feelings of exhaustion. “But I think more worrisome than that is that some patients may have no symptoms at all,” Russo says.

If you’re over 65 or have conditions that include, but are not limited to, obesity, high blood pressure or other heart conditions, it’s important to have a conversation with your doctor about your health, including your risk for AFib. Family history may also play a role in increasing a person’s risk for AFib, says Russo, so it’s important to tell your physician if a family member has been diagnosed with the condition.

Under COVID-19 conditions, it may be more difficult to make an in-person appointment with your doctor. But for those with risk factors who are experiencing symptoms, telehealth can be a possible option to get in touch with your physician, address pressing health needs and learn about AFib and associated stroke risk

This virtual conversation may help your doctor evaluate next steps, including if you should consider going into the office for an electrocardiogram (ECG) or whether further monitoring may be necessary.

An ECG is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart and can be used to diagnose AFib, but home monitoring devices, such as a Holter/event monitor may also be recommended by your doctor to observe heart rhythm over a longer period of time outside of the doctor’s office. While research is still underway, wearable health monitors — some of which are being built into smartwatches — are an emerging approach that people may utilize to help track their heartbeat.

Ultimately, it’s imperative to acknowledge that AFib cannot be self-diagnosed. The more aware you are of AFib symptoms and risk factors, the more prepared and proactive you can be about having a discussion with a doctor about your health.

Already Diagnosed With AFib?

In the case that you have already been diagnosed with AFib, it’s important to work with your doctor to help manage the condition and talk about a plan that may be right for you. “There is a saying, ‘AFib begets AFib,’” says Russo. “The longer you have it, the harder it can be to maintain normal rhythm,” and therefore, it is important to work with your doctor to manage the condition.

While an AFib diagnosis can impact people differently, collaborating with a doctor allows you to be proactively involved in the management of your health.

Get the facts so you can keep AFib in mind and talk to your doctor. For more

information and educational resources about AFib and stroke risk, please visit

AMatterofMoments.com.