What to expect after an AFib diagnosis
By ShareMD Connect
You're not alone if you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (also known as AFib or AF). To date, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 6.1 million Americans are living with AFib, a number that is expected to double in the next 25 years.
While it is the most commonly treated type of heart arrhythmia, it can become fatal if not carefully managed. People suffering from AFib have an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and almost double the risk of death.
Receiving an AFib diagnosis can often feel overwhelming; however, taking the time to understand your diagnosis, what to expect from your healthcare team, and your treatment options can positively impact your long-term well-being.
Getting to the heart of the problem
Creating a treatment plan for your AFib will be determined by several factors, including your medical history, any underlying cause of the condition, other conditions that may impact AFib, and the presence of symptoms. Some common underlying causes of AFib include high blood pressure, heart disease, and thyroid problems. Treating an underlying cause of AFib or other conditions that may be present can help improve AFib symptoms and ultimately reduce the risk of more severe complications.
Since AFib can be progressive if not managed correctly, going from intermittent to persistent, and ultimately may become permanent, your doctor will want to get a better understanding of your symptoms, any underlying causes, and risk of complications to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. To do this, you will likely undergo a physical and may be referred to a cardiac specialist for additional testing, some of which may include an exercise stress test, a sleep study, an electrocardiogram (ECG), transthoracic cardiogram (TTE), and blood work.
Once you and your doctor have a better understanding of how serious your AFib is, depending on your symptoms, risk of stroke and bleeding, and any underlying causes, you and your doctor can develop the best treatment plan for you. This plan will likely include medications, lifestyle changes, and possibly surgery, depending on your specific scenario.
Understanding your treatment options
The good news is when it comes to managing AFib, you have options. And when managed correctly, you can get back to living your life.
One of the most challenging parts of navigating AFib is that you can be in AFib and not know it. While you will typically be treated as if you are experiencing AFib, even without symptoms, you can take some additional steps to manage it on your own. Talking to your doctor about healthy lifestyle changes you can make, tracking any new symptoms you may experience, and learning how to track your heart rate correctly on your own or with a wearable device can be helpful.
Several studies show promise for patients utilizing the "Atrial fibrillation Better Care" pathway (ABC): A holistic AFib management approach that consists of three aspects.
A - Avoiding stroke by using blood thinners
B - Better Symptom Management to improve how you feel, often using medications like beta blockers or calcium channel blockers
C - Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Co-Morbid Disease Assessment and Management - in other words, your physician will look for an underlying cause or condition that could be playing a role in your AFib and treat that as well
Medication management
One of the most common treatments for managing AFib and stroke risk is taking a type of medication called an anticoagulant - also known as a blood thinner. However, blood thinners often come with lifestyle changes and risks, so you must talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits to determine if they’re right for you.
Surgical options
If blood thinners are not an option, you may be a candidate for a surgical procedure. The two main surgical procedures for AFib are a Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) which can also be called a Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO). It’s important to ask your physician about surgical options. If you have concerns about blood thinners and have a high risk of stroke or bleeding, a LAAC could be right for you.
Will I need to see a specialist?
Someone experiencing AFib may find it hard to navigate their care because of how many doctors they have to see. While your general practitioner or an unexpected ER visit may diagnose your condition, you will likely be referred to an electrophysiologist or cardiologist for further testing and treatment. You may also visit a sleep specialist, a dietician, and others to help understand and manage your AFib severity and symptoms.
I don't have symptoms - do I need to worry about this?
Absolutely. While some patients don't experience symptoms of AFib, it's a diagnosis you'll want to take seriously.
If AFib is left untreated, you are 5x more likely to experience a stroke than people without AFib, and your risk of death doubles. Over time AFib can weaken your heart, increasing your risk of heart failure.
However, with the right treatment plan and care team, you can learn to manage your AFib and get back to life and your loved ones.