Atrial Fibrillation and You

What is A Fib?

Atrial Fibrillation is a heart condition that is often described as an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. With AF your heart beats in a disorganised and irregular way which can lead to a range of symptoms and potential complications.  AF is the most common type of heart arrhythmia.

How does A Fib cause Stroke?

An irregular heart beat can cause a blood clot to form; the clot enters your bloodstream and can block the blood vessel leading to the brain.  This blockage may then cause a stroke to occur.  People with AF are five times more likely to suffer a stroke than people who do not have the condition and the strokes from AF tend to me more severe leading to greater mortality and disability.

Symptoms and Treatment of A Fib.

Some people have no symptoms of AF; other people feel their irregular heartbeat straight away through the range of symptoms such as:
 
•    Palpitations
•    Tiredness or weakness
•    Difficulty exercising
•    Dizziness, light-headedness or fainting
•    Chest pain
•    Discomfort or difficulty breathing
•    Shortness of breath.
 
Palpitations are an uncomfortably sudden and sharp sensation of the heartbeat, generally on the left side of your chest. Palpitations are the most common symptom of AF. You will probably feel them as a fast and irregular heartbeat.

Not everyone with AF episodes has the same symptoms and, some people have no symptoms at all. If you have any symptoms of AF, it is important to talk to your doctor about them.

Is it important to be aware of your pulse because it may indicate an abnormal heart rate or rhythm.  Read our guide to checking your pulse.

There are several medicine and non-medicinal options available to manage your Atrial Fibrillation.  Some people are prescribed anti-coagulation or blood thinning treatments like warfarin to prevent blood clots from forming. 

What causes AF?

The causes of AF are not always clear but your chances of developing AF can go up if you have one or more of these medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. AF can affect adults of any age, but it is more common as people get older.

There are many risk factors that mean you are more likely to develop AF. The risk factors for AF include:

*Alcohol abuse, such as drinking large amounts of alcohol over a long time, is a major factor in people developing AF. Even young people can get AF after binge-drinking occasions.

What complications can AF cause?

Although AF is not generally life-threatening; it is a serious condition and can lead to you getting serious complications such as other heart problems and stroke. By knowing about the possible complications and working closely with your doctor, you can find out how to lower your chances of them happening to you. Speak to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about any of the complications of AF.

Download the Irish Heart Foundation's AF and You, An Information Booklet for People Living with Atrial Fibrillation.

This booklet has information was written for people with AF. It adds to the information that you have already from your doctor. It does not replace the advice of your doctor, consultant or nurse.

The booklet explains what happens to your heart in AF, its causes, signs and symptoms, potential complications of AF and how to live a normal life with AF. AF is a condition a lot of people have and this information tells you what you can expect if you have been diagnosed with AF and how you can maintain your quality of life.

Although AF is generally not life-threatening, it is a serious condition and can lead to serious complications such as other heart problems and stroke. By knowing about its possible complications, you can find out how to lower your chances of them happening to you.

A Fib in Ireland.

Up to three million people worldwide have a stroke related to atrial fibrillation every year - that is one person every 12 seconds.  According to the National Cardiovascular Health Policy 1% of the Irish population have AF.  Yet, awareness to the risk factors for stroke including atrial fibrillation is very low.  Also, just as elsewhere in Europe, the detection and management of AF in Ireland is very poor and the management of AF offers a real opportunity to reduce the number of people having strokes.

1. In 2009, the IHF commissioned a survey of 1,000 Irish adults ‘Knowledge of Stroke Risk Factors and Warning Signs’. Compiled by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, the survey clearly indicated that the Irish population’s knowledge of stroke signs and risk factors was extremely low. The research revealed that participants over the age of 65 had poorer knowledge of the risk factors and warning signs for stroke compared to younger respondents.  This fact combined with the increase in AF as people age, means that the over-65s should be a key audience for an Irish awareness campaign on AF. 
2. 70 first-ever strokes in Ireland could be avoided in one year if 10% of patients with AF were adequately treated with warfarin (anticoagulation therapy).  This would increase to 350 where warfarin treatment is available to 50% of AF patients. 
3. An estimated 40 to 200 secondary strokes could be averted in Ireland where treatment with warfarin covers 10 to 50 % of AF patients who have already had a stroke.  
4. Research carried out by the Irish Heart Foundation has shown that 550 first ever strokes in Ireland could be avoided each year if 50% of people with the condition received adequate treatment.
5. 40-60% of patients with AF are eligible for treatment with anti-coagulants. 
6. According to the North Dublin Population Stroke Study less than 25% of individuals with stroke due to known atrial fibrillation were anti-coagulated with warfarin prior to stroke onset. 
7. 44% of strokes will be caused by AF by 2026 if awareness and treatment of the condition are not improved.

Click here to vote for the Irish Heart Foundation to win funding to run a campaign for increased awarness to A fib.