Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)
Having AFib increases your risk of having a stroke. In fact, the risk of stroke in people with AFib is about five times higher than in people who don’t have AFib. That’s why it’s important to know if you have this serious heart condition so it can be treated.
Warning Signs of A-Fib
Many symptoms of AFib may be similar to other heart-related issues, including coronary artery disease and heart attack. If you suspect that you are having a heart attack, especially if you have chest pain or pressure, call 911 right away.
Otherwise, if you have symptoms of AFib, it’s important to speak with your primary care provider or cardiologist. Symptoms may include the following:
- Palpitations – the heart may feel like it’s racing, fluttering, pounding, thumping or beating irregularly
- Chest pain, pressure or discomfort
- Dizziness, light-headedness or faintness
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or lack of energy (in general or while exercising)
- Weakness
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Confusion
Treatment for A-Fib
Several treatment options are available for A-Fib:
- Medications to control heart rate and/or rhythm
- Cardioversion - shocking the heart back to a normal rhythm
- Ablation therapy - both catheter-based and surgical
- Pulsed Field Ablations
- WATCHMAN procedure
Warning Signs of Stroke
Since AFib increases your chance of having a stroke, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of stroke if you have AFib. Time is of the essence if a stroke occurs, and the faster you get to the hospital, the better the chance that doctors can provide treatment that may improve your recovery and could even save your life.
Stroke warning signs typically appear suddenly, are more apparent on only one side of the body. Remember the acronym BE FAST to recognize the signs of a stroke:
B - Balance: Is there a sudden loss of balance or difficulty walking?
E - Eyes: Is there sudden blurred or double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes?
F - Face: Is there suddenly an uneven smile or drooping of one side of the face?
A - Arms: Is there a sudden weakness, downward drift or numbness of one arm?
S - Speech: Is the speech suddenly slurred or garbled? Is the person able to repeat the sentence, 'Today is a sunny day?'
T - Time: Call 911 quickly if one or more of these signs are present.
BE FAST: Pinehurst Man Recovering After Stroke, Quick Treatment at Moore Regional
Pinehurst resident Dale Krech shares his story following a stroke and receiving treatment at Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
Dale's Story
