Atrial Fibrillation - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Living Well with Robin Stoloff

In this episode of 'Living Well with Robin Stoloff,' we focus on atrial fibrillation (AFib) - the most common type of arrhythmia. Dr. Michael Link, a cardiac electrophysiologist with Atlantic Care Physician Group Cardiology, provides expert insights into the causes of AFib and what it means when your heart falls into this irregular rhythm.

Dr. Link stresses the importance of understanding how common AFib is and the various factors that can lead to its development, which include genetics, age, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, thyroid disease, and many more. He discusses potential complications if left untreated. Acute symptoms can include palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath, while long-term issues may evolve into heart failure and the need for a pacemaker.

Additionally, he explains different treatment options for AFib, highlighting the importance of stroke prevention, controlling the heart rate, getting back to normal rhythm, and variable success rates. Dr. Link also mentions various technological advancements, like smartwatches, helping in early AFib detection.

Moving on to prevention, Dr. Link emphasizes a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, proper diabetes management, and weight management as key factors in AFib prevention, ending on a hopeful note with advice for living a healthier life.