CHRISTUS Health recognizes Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month

CHRISTUS Health is recognizing National Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) Awareness Month in September by raising awareness about the heart condition.

AFib is the most common type of heart arrhythmia, with about 12.1 million people in the U.S. diagnosed with the condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It is a condition characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate. It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart, known as the atria, do not beat in sync with the lower chambers.

“This irregular rhythm can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other complications,” said Dustin Meyer, director of cardiac electrophysiology for CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – San Marcos. “It is crucial to recognize the signs of AFib for early detection and intervention.”

While AFib can affect anyone, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the condition, such as aging, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

He said it is important for individuals with any risk factors to be vigilant and proactive in monitoring their heart health.

“Knowing the signs and symptoms is equally important because, despite risk factors, anyone can develop AFib,” he said.

Some symptoms patients can experience are:

• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Drop in blood pressure
• Sweating or chest discomfort

“Some patients may not experience any symptoms,” Meyer said. “This is why getting a yearly heart check with your primary care physician is so important.”

CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – San Marcos has a state-of-the-art electrophysiology (EP) lab, marking a significant advancement in cardiac care for the community. The new EP lab focuses on diagnosing and treating complex heart conditions, like AFib, by examining and mapping the heart’s electrical system.

The EP Lab was made possible by a generous $1 million donation made by Gloria Ingram and the Ingram family.

Treatment options for AFib can include medication, lifestyle changes or medical procedures like an ablation.

“An ablation is a minimally invasive procedure targeting and eliminating the abnormal heart tissue responsible for the irregular rhythm,” Meyer said. “By restoring the heart’s normal electrical signals, ablation can effectively treat AFib and reduce the risks of long-term complications.”

Education is key in preventing and managing heart conditions, said Dr. Daniel Beckles, cardiovascular surgeon with CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

"We want our community to know education is crucial in preventing and managing heart conditions," he said. "The occurrence of AFib is a crossroad in someone’s health requiring immediate attention. It can be as simple as stress or a serious underlying heart problem and must be treated by experts.”