Many people are not aware that they have AFib, which is the abbreviation for atrial fibrillation. This is often referred to as “peek-a-boo” cardiac arrest, because it is an irregular heartbeat that can only be detected by looking at the person’s pulse.
This highly-preventable heart condition affects over 2 million people in the U.S., and it is one of the more common causes of stroke. Because of its high prevalence and serious nature, the American Heart Association promotes knowing your numbers in order to better manage your health. That is why they have developed a chart that classifies AFib into four stages.
In Stage I, patients have AFib but are not yet showing signs of stroke or other health problems. In this stage, it is still possible to take care of the patient without necessarily having to medicate them. However, this is usually not advised for those with AFib, as it can encourage blood clots, which is harmful to them. It is also not recommended for those who already are taking blood thinners, such as warfarin or aspirin, as it can increase the risk of bleeding.
In Stage II, patients have already begun showing signs of stroke or other health complications from the irregular heartbeat. At this stage, patients should no longer be managed without medication, as it will be more difficult to minimize the effects of the condition. In Stage III, patients have already begun experiencing significant health problems, and they need to be medicated and monitored closely for the remainder of their lives. In this stage, patients have a much lower chance of survival without treatment.
Stage IV is the terminal stage of AFib, and it is often a medical emergency. At this stage, the only treatment available is medication and frequent blood transfusions. Due to the increased risk of stroke, patients in this stage need to be medicated as soon as possible, even if they show no signs of the condition. Not only does medication save lives, but it can also help manage the symptoms of AFib and improve quality of life for those who are still able to function. It is estimated that at least 95% of AFib cases could be prevented through better understanding and control of lifestyle factors – namely, stress and diet. That is why it is so important to know what your numbers are and be sure that you are on the right track to improving your health.
When Do I Need To See A Cardiologist?
If you are in any way concerned that you might have AFib, then you need to see a cardiologist as soon as possible. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can diagnose AFib with very high accuracy, and it is the preferred test for those who are not yet showing signs of the condition. An ECG can also be used to monitor the effects of treatment, such as heart surgery or medication. It is also important to see a cardiologist if you have any family history of the condition, as it is strongly linked to an increased risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. For those who are already showing signs of AFib, a cardiologist can help them identify the exact cause of the condition and prescribe medication to treat it. This will often be in the form of a beta blocker or an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-i).
When Do I Need To See A Stroke Specialist?
After you have been diagnosed with AFib, you will need to see a stroke specialist to get the full assessment of your condition. A stroke specialist will be able to tell you how serious your case is, as well as what treatment options are available for you. If you are in any way interested in being treated, then you need to see a stroke specialist right away. This is because the treatment options available are often more effective when administered by a neurologist or cardiologist, and it is easier to get an appointment with a neurologist or cardiologist than it is to get an appointment with a stroke specialist. It is also important to remember that if you have had a stroke in the past, then you are at increased risk of having another one. This is why it is important to get an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.
What Treatment Options Do I Have?
There are multiple treatment options available for AFib, with the most appropriate one being chosen based on your specific situation. If you are in Stage I or II, then you will often be treated with medication as soon as possible. This will often be in the form of a beta blocker, which prevents your heart from beating too fast and reduces the workload of your heart. It will also often be accompanied by an ACE-i, which prevents further blood clots from forming and reduces the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
In Stage III or IV, you will typically be treated with medication and/or heart surgery. With medication, patients often have to take several different types of drugs to manage the symptoms of the condition. Some of these drugs can cause negative side effects, so it is important to seek advice from a physician as soon as possible. This is especially important for those who are already on medication for other conditions, as it is difficult to determine the ideal doses for each patient, especially when treating a condition that is so difficult to diagnose. It is also important to determine how well you are tolerating the medications you are prescribed, as this will often suggest changes to the doses required to effectively treat the condition. For those who are in Stage IV, surgical ablation is the recommended treatment. This is because it is virtually impossible for a patient to continue functioning once they reach this stage. The only treatment options available are medication and blood transfusions. Blood transfusions can be very effective in keeping patients alive, but they also increase the risk of infection and organ rejection.
What Is The Life Span Of People With AFib?
It is important to remember that not all people with AFib will experience the same adverse effects. Some patients have the condition but are perfectly healthy and have not yet had any symptoms. In these cases, they may not even know that they have it. This is because AFib is often a silent condition and can only be detected through an ECG or through any type of injury to the heart. Because of this, there is no way to accurately predict how long someone will live with the condition, as it can affect people in different ways. However, it is estimated that people with AFib suffer from cardiac arrhythmias for an average of 5 to 10 years before they begin to show any effects. This is mainly due to the fact that doctors cannot currently find a cause for the condition in over 90% of cases. Once patients begin showing signs of the condition, it is usually a matter of months before they reach Stage IV and begin experiencing a reduced lifespan.