I'm a Heart Rhythm Specialist: Here's What I Want People to Know About AFib

Many people are surprised to learn that one of the biggest risk factors for stroke is a condition they may not even know they have.

Atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib, affects more than 10 million Americans and is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. About one in four adults over age 40 will develop AFib during their lifetime. Yet despite how common it is, many people are unfamiliar with the condition until they or a loved one receives a diagnosis.

As we observe AFib Awareness Month this September, there is one message I want everyone to understand: AFib is common, serious and highly treatable.

AFib occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat out of sync with the lower chambers, creating an irregular rhythm. Some people experience symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness. Others have no symptoms at all. In fact, it's not uncommon for AFib to be discovered during a routine checkup or while being evaluated for an unrelated health concern.

While AFib may not always cause noticeable symptoms, it can have serious consequences. The condition significantly increases the risk of blood clots forming in the heart, which can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. People with AFib are five times more likely to experience an ischemic stroke than those without the condition. AFib can also contribute to heart failure and other cardiovascular complications if left untreated.

Several factors increase the risk of developing AFib. Age is one of the most significant, but high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, smoking, excessive alcohol use and family history can also play important roles.

One of the biggest misconceptions about AFib is that it is simply a condition people manage over time. We now know that AFib is a progressive disease. Early episodes may come and go, but over time the abnormal rhythm can become more persistent and more difficult to treat. The longer AFib progresses, the greater the likelihood of structural changes within the heart that can make maintaining a normal rhythm more challenging.

That's why early diagnosis and treatment matter.

As an electrophysiologist, I encourage patients to seek evaluation early and discuss all available treatment options. Early intervention allows us to reduce symptoms, lower the risk of complications and preserve long-term heart health. It also provides patients with more options before the condition advances.

The good news is that treatments for AFib have improved dramatically in recent years.

Depending on the individual patient, treatment may include medications to reduce stroke risk, medications to control heart rate or rhythm, lifestyle changes or catheter ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that targets the areas of the heart responsible for triggering AFib.

One of the most exciting developments in AFib care is pulsed field ablation, or PFA. Unlike traditional forms of ablation that use heat or extreme cold, PFA uses precisely controlled electrical pulses to target the heart cells responsible for the abnormal rhythm while minimizing impact on surrounding tissue.

This technology is transforming AFib treatment because it offers a highly effective and tissue-selective approach that can improve both safety and efficiency. Many patients experience shorter procedure times, same-day discharge and a faster return to normal activities. Most importantly, PFA is allowing us to treat a broader range of patients, including some who may not previously have been considered ideal candidates for ablation.

However, technology alone is not enough. Successful AFib management also depends on addressing the factors that contribute to the disease in the first place.

While medical treatments are important, some of the most powerful tools for managing AFib are things patients can do every day. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, controlling blood pressure, getting good sleep and following a heart-healthy diet can all make a meaningful difference. These habits not only improve overall health, but can also help reduce AFib symptoms, improve treatment success and are more likely to maintain a normal heart rhythm.

Ultimately, what I want people to know is this: AFib is not something to ignore, but it is also not something to fear.

Today's treatments are more effective than ever, and advances like pulsed field ablation are helping us safely restore normal heart rhythms for more patients. By recognizing risk factors, staying engaged in your health care and seeking treatment early, you can significantly reduce your risk of stroke and other complications.

This AFib Awareness Month, I encourage everyone to take heart health seriously. A simple conversation with your physician could identify a condition you didn't know you had and help prevent a life-changing event in the future.