Hospitalizations for a heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation (AFib) have been steadily on the rise, according to a new study from Yale. The group of researchers behind the study looked at Medicare data from 1999 to 2013 and found that during that time, hospitalizations for AFib rose by almost one percent per year. As the hospitalization rate increased, so did the costs per hospital stay.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder in the U.S. and affects more than 2.3 million Americans. In people with AFib, electrical activity in the heart disrupts the normal rhythm, and the atria (the two upper chambers of the heart) beat quickly and irregularly.
It’s not just the presence of this irregular heart rhythm that sends people to the hospital: the real danger occurs from the complications when AFib goes untreated. People who have AFib are about five times more likely to have a stroke than people without this heart rhythm disorder. That’s because the fast beating of the atria allows blood to pool in the heart, and that blood can clot and travel to the brain.
Avoiding AFib Complications
Atrial fibrillation can be treated; if you have this heart rhythm disorder, your doctor might prescribe an antiarrhythmic drug like Multaq to help regulate your heartbeat or a blood-thinning drug like Warfarin to reduce your risk of developing dangerous blood clots. However, the first important step is to get diagnosed so that you can receive the treatment you need.
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| Normal heart function vs. AFib. Source: cdc.gov |
If you suspect that you have a heart rhythm problem but are unsure, look out for these signs of atrial fibrillation:
- Rapid thumping in the chest
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Excessive sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling more tired than usual when exercising
- Fainting
If you notice these symptoms or any other heart rhythm problems, contact your doctor. And if you experience any signs of a heart attack or stroke, get medical attention right away.
By following your doctor’s recommendations and getting the treatment you need for atrial fibrillation and its complications, you can reduce your risk of being hospitalized and becoming a statistic.
