AdventistHealthPortland.org 5 Getting checked and treated If you think you might have AFib, tell your doctor. They may be able to diagnose it with an electrocardiogram (EKG) test. And if you have AFib, treatment may help you feel better, as well as lower your stroke risk. AFib treatments may include: ● Medicines to prevent blood clots, regulate your heart rate or restore your heart’s normal rhythm. ● A procedure, called cardioversion, which delivers a mild electric shock to normalize the heart’s rhythm. ● Ablation procedures, which can sometimes cure AFib by destroying the heart tissues that send abnormal electrical signals. ● Surgery or a pacemaker, in some cases. Feeling tired more easily or short of breath, especially with physical activity. Light-headedness. Understanding AFib causes and risks A variety of factors increase your risk for developing AFib, such as age and alcohol use, as well as conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease and obesity. Dr. Przybylowicz recommends maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle and following your doctor’s treatment recommendations to reduce your risks. If you do develop AFib, the biggest risk it creates is stroke. People who have AFib may be five times more likely to have a stroke than those without AFib. Because AFib also weakens the heart’s contractions, blood is more likely to pool inside the heart and form clots that can trigger strokes. Zio helps find AFib Recording your heart rhythm over time helps your team spot arrhythmias, like AFib. Our team often uses Zio, a comfortable heart monitor patch you wear over your heart for up to two weeks, even during exercise and showering. This means more chance of catching your palpitations, which are recorded and included in a report to your team. A team for your heart If you’re looking for help with your AFib, Adventist Health Northwest Heart Center has a team of heart rhythm disorders specialists serving patients in Portland, McMinnville, The Dalles and Tillamook. Learn more at AdventistHealthNorthwestHeartCenter.org. SCAN ME
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