Atrial fibrillation, commonly referred to as ‘AFib’ or ‘AF’ is a heart condition where the heart rhythm is irregular and, in many cases, very fast beating above 100 beats per minute. AFib is the most common arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) in Ireland. It can affect people of any age but is more common in older people.[i]
If left undiagnosed or untreated, AFib increases the risk of stroke and heart failure. It has been referred to as a growing health concern.[ii]
To tie in with Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week, which takes place from the 18th – 24th of November, Dr John Keaney, consultant cardiac electrophysiologist at Blackrock Health is shining a light on AFib to help people to take charge of their rhythm and recognise the signs of this heart condition.
What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?
An irregular heart rhythm caused by AFib can manifest as a variety of symptoms, including dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. People living with atrial fibrillation may also experience heart palpitations, which can feel like a fluttering, pounding, or irregular beating in the chest. These palpitations can persist for a few seconds or several minutes at a time.
Dr Keaney says: “The most important thing is that people recognise the symptoms, and when something is not right, seek appropriate action with a medical professional”
How is it diagnosed?
According to Dr John Keaney, there are a number of ways atrial fibrillation can present. “AFib can be asymptomatic, meaning that individuals may be unaware of their irregular heart rhythm. AFib is commonly discovered during routine check-ups, when a simple pulse check reveals an irregular heartbeat. In some cases, symptoms can be more subtle, such as fatigue or shortness of breath, prompting people to go for tests to investigate.
In some circumstances, AFib results in a racing heartbeat, at 150 beats per minute or more, which should lead someone to an emergency department or specialist cardiac care unit, bringing this heart condition into sharp focus. In more severe cases, AFib goes undetected until it leads to a serious complication such as a stroke. This is why awareness of the condition is so crucial.”
How is AFib treated?
While AFib is not typically life-threatening in itself, it can significantly increase the risk of stroke. 1 The irregular heart rhythm can also be uncomfortable and often necessitates medical intervention.
Dr Keaney says: “Treatment for AFib is tailored to the individual and may include medications to control heart rate/rhythm or to prevent stroke. People with AFib may also undergo cardioversion, which is a procedure that involves delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart, aiming to reset it back into a normal rhythm or catheter ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to target and disable the area within the heart responsible for the irregular rhythm.”
Dr Keaney added: “Thankfully once diagnosed, AFib is treatable and early intervention is key. New technologies are emerging all the time and whether it is through medication or advanced procedures like ablation, the goal is to restore a normal heart rhythm and reduce the risk of complications.”
How important are lifestyle changes?
Dr Keaney says: “Living a heart-healthy lifestyle is important to support the management of AFib. This means incorporating regular exercise into your routine, aiming for at least 150 minutes a week. Maintaining a healthy weight, cutting back on alcohol, quitting smoking and managing blood pressure are also essential. Other underlying health conditions should be managed such as thyroid issues and sleep apnoea, as they can play a role in AFib.”
Blackrock Health operates a Rapid Cardiac Care service which provides swift access to its team of cardiology specialists across its three hospitals, Blackrock Clinic, Galway Clinic and Hermitage Clinic, for cardiac patient care, with or without a GP referral. This service provides fast and expert medical care to patients with worrying, acute cardiac symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath or a racing pulse rate.
To find out more, visit: https://www.blackrockhealth.com/rapid-cardiac-care. If you think you are experiencing a heart attack or stroke, dial 999 immediately.
Fact file: Atrial fibrillation with Dr John Keaney, consultant cardiac electrophysiologist at Blackrock Health based in Blackrock Clinic
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation, commonly referred to as ‘AFib’ or ‘AF; is a heart condition where the heart rhythm is irregular and, in many cases, very fast above 100 beats per minute. AFib is the most common arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) in Ireland. It can affect people of any age but is more common in older people.
What are the symptoms?
The irregular heart rhythm caused by AFib can manifest as a variety of symptoms, including:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
People living with AFib may also experience heart palpitations, a sensation of fluttering, pounding, or irregular beating in the chest. These palpitations can persist for a few seconds or several minutes.
How is AFib treated?
Treatment for AFib involves medication to manage heart rhythm or reduce risk of stroke. Other treatments include procedures such as cardioversion or catheter ablation.
Where can I go for treatment?
If you think you are experiencing irregular heart rhythm, speak to your GP or you can attend Blackrock Health’s Rapid Cardiac Care service, with or without a GP referral.
If you are experiencing urgent cardiac symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, dial 999 immediately.
Can lifestyle changes help manage the condition?
Lifestyle changes can support management of atrial fibrillation. This includes:
- Regular exercise, aiming for at least 150 minutes a week
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Cut back on alcohol
- Monitor and manage blood pressure
[i] HSE, Atrial fibrillation (2023) Available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/ [Accessed November 2024]
[ii] Smyth B, Marsden P, Corcoran R, Walsh R, Brennan C, McSharry K, Clarke J, Harbison J. (March, 2015) Atrial Fibrillation Screening in General Practice. Health Service Executive, Dublin.
