September: National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month

September: National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month

September is National Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month - a moment to spotlight a common heart rhythm disorder that raises risks for stroke, heart failure, and reduced quality of life. Dr. Shahzad Ahmed, Interventional Cardiologist at BMC Cardiology Practice (Lower Bucks Hospital), urges patients and families to learn AFib's signs, risk factors, and treatment options so early detection and tailored care can reduce complications.

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation occurs when the heart's upper chambers (atria) quiver instead of contracting normally, producing an irregular and often rapid heartbeat that can impair blood flow and promote clot formation.

Symptoms and Risk Factors

AFib can be asymptomatic, so awareness matters. Common symptoms:

• Palpitations - fluttering or racing heartbeat
• Fatigue - unusual tiredness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath during routine activities
• Chest discomfort

Key risk factors:

• Age (risk rises with advancing age)
• Underlying heart disease (coronary disease, valve disease)
• High blood pressure
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Diabetes
• Family history of AFib
• Excessive alcohol use

Dr. Ahmed stresses that recognizing symptoms and addressing modifiable risk factors-blood pressure control, weight management, reduced alcohol intake, and diabetes care-can meaningfully lower risk.

Early Detection and Diagnosis

Early diagnosis improves outcomes. If you notice symptoms or have risk factors, discuss them with your clinician. Diagnostic tools include:

1. Electrocardiogram (ECG) - provides a snapshot of heart rhythm.
2. Holter or event monitors - continuous or intermittent rhythm recording to capture intermittent AFib.
3. Echocardiography and blood testing - assess structural heart disease and underlying contributors.

Treatment Options

Treatment should be individualized based on symptoms, stroke risk, and overall health. Options include:

• Anticoagulation to reduce stroke risk (choice guided by stroke-risk scoring).
• Rate or rhythm control medications (to manage heart rate or restore rhythm).
• Cardioversion (electrical or pharmacologic) to re-establish normal rhythm.
• Catheter ablation to isolate abnormal electrical pathways when medication is insufficient or not tolerated.
• Surgical approaches for select patients with concurrent cardiac surgery needs.
• Lifestyle interventions - weight loss, exercise, sleep apnea treatment, and blood pressure control.

Empowering Heart Health Through Awareness

National AFib Awareness Month is an opportunity to get checked, update medical histories, and discuss prevention and treatment with your clinician. BMC Cardiology Practice at Lower Bucks Hospital offers diagnostic evaluation and a full spectrum of AFib therapies, including catheter-based interventions and comprehensive risk-reduction programs.

For appointments: BMC Cardiology Practice - 501 Bath Rd, Bristol, PA 19007 • (215) 785-5100

Shahzad Ahmed, MD, FACC, FSCAI, RPVI

Interventional Cardiologist

BMC Cardiology Practice/ Lower Bucks Hospital