Got FIB?
Introduction FAST, IRREGULAR heartbeats = FIB FIB is short for fibrillation fibrillation, or quivering of the top two chambers of the heart (the atria) Important that you understand: What atrial fibrillation (AF) is Warning signs & symptoms, and risk factors for developing AFrelated stroke Alternatives for accessing care, managing, and treating AF Got FIB? 2
What is Atrial Fibrillation (AF)? Normally, your heart contracts and relaxes to a regular beat AF is most common arrhythmia (rapid and irregular heartbeat) t) abnormality in US Nonvalvular AF is AF not due to faulty or abnormal heart valve Electrocardiogram (ECG) Results Got FIB? 3
What happens in the heart with (AF)? What happens in the heart with AF? (1 of 3) Electrical activity in your heart is disorganized and disrupts its normal, coordinated response Special cells in the heart act as a natural pacemaker, sending electrical signals that control your heart rate. AF throws off the timing of those cells, making them fire abnormally. Resulting irregular heart rhythm causes upper chambers of the heart (the atria) to quiver or fibrillate Got FIB? 4
What happens in the heart with AF? (2 of 3) Atria pump blood rapidly, unevenly, and inefficiently instead of beating effectively to move blood into the ventricles (lower chambers), which move blood into the body Pulse becomes irregular and your body may be left starving for oxygen-rich blood, leaving you feeling weak, tired, or even incapacitated Got FIB? 5
What happens in the heart with AF? (3 of 3) Blood slows down or pools in the atria, which increases the risk of clotting If clot breaks off, it can flow into in an artery leading to the brain, resulting in stroke and death Clotting Risk Here! Clotting Risk Here! Got FIB? 6
Why is knowing about AF important? Why is knowing about AF important? t? (1 of 2) AF more likely as we age 3-6 million Americans have AF About 9% of people aged 65+ years have AF More than 750,000 hospitalizations and an estimated 130,000 deaths occur each year because of AF Got FIB? 7
Why is knowing about AF important? (2 of 2) Associated with increased risk of stroke, dementia, heart failure, and death Increases a person s risk for stroke by 4 to 5 times, compared with those without AF an increased risk of about 5% per year Outcomes related to AF have not improved significantly, despite improvements in healthcare Got FIB? 8
How is AF diagnosed? How is AF diagnosed? Symptoms may come and go or be chronic Routine exam may reveal the condition Can be found when a stroke occurs Tests, including electrocardiograms (ECG), heart monitors, or echocardiograms Some people with AF don t have any symptoms Got FIB? 9
AF Warning Signs and Symptoms Typical symptoms (1 of 2) Rapid and irregular heartbeat Heart palpitations p (sensation that heart is skipping, fluttering, thumping, or pounding) Lightheadedness (or feeling dizzy or faint) Extreme fatigue or exhaustion, not being able to complete normal activities, including fatigue when exercising i Got FIB? 10
AF Warning Signs and Symptoms Typical symptoms (2 of 2) Shortness of breath and anxiety Sensation of not feeling right Chest pain Weakness Sweating Got FIB? 11
What Does it Feel Like? How patients described their feelings (1 of 2) I was going up stairs and my heart skipped some beats. It was scary. My heart was beating really fast, my stomach felt queasy; I could hardly breathe. Got FIB? 12
How patients described their feelings (2 of 2) It felt like my heart skipped a couple of beats then started racing. I had a lot of pressure in my chest and even up into my throat. I wondered if I was having a heart attack. Got FIB? 13
Risk Factors for Developing AF Risk factors as numerous as symptoms (1 of 2) Advanced age (average onset between 67 and 75 years for both men and women) Existing heart disease, prior heart attack, congestive heart failure, or recent heart surgery Clogged arteries or vascular disease High blood pressure Got FIB? 14
Risk factors as numerous as symptoms (2 of 2) Chest pain (angina) Thyroid problems, diabetes, and asthma European descent (vs. African American descent) Family history Over-exercising i Got FIB? 15
If You Have AF Signs or Symptoms How is AF treated? Medications Control heart rhythm and rate Prevent blood clots from forming and reduce stroke risk Surgery Medication combined with healthy lifestyle changes to manage AF risk factors or underlying conditions Got FIB? 16
Managing Your Risk Factors Reduce high blood pressure Control cholesterol levels Lose excess weight Eat a heart-healthy diet Avoid tobacco smoke Drink alcohol in moderation Enjoy regular physical activity Schedule periodic visits with your doctor Got FIB? 17
If You Have AF Signs or Symptoms Communicate with your doctor Write down and share symptoms, family history of heart disease, stroke, or high blood pressure Share life changes or stress Provide a list of all medications and supplements currently taking Ask yourself: Got FIB? Got FIB? 18
Look for Signs of a Stroke (FAST) Look for signs of a stroke: F A S - T Face drooping Arm weakness Speech difficulty Time to call 9-1-1 Got FIB? 19
Conclusion FAST, IRREGULAR heartbeats = FIB Symptoms include Rapid, irregular heartbeat Palpitations Weakness, sweating, not feeling right Shortness of breath, extreme fatigue If you ve Got FIB, seek immediate medical treatment If you or a loved one show signs of a stroke (F A S T), call 9-1-1 Got FIB? 20
Manage your risk factors (like blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, tobacco smoke, and alcohol) For more information, review materials on dontfibyourself.com Don t FIB yourself! Got FIB? 21
Presented By Some images in this presentation are a work of the National Institutes of Health, part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and are part of the public domain. Got FIB? 22
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