Conditions

Atrial Fibrillation

Heart palpitations can feel like fluttering, pounding, or skipped beats

Fluttering Heartbeat Changed His Life — What You Should Know About Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

It started with what he thought was just stress — a few skipped beats, a racing heart after climbing stairs. But when Mr. Tan, a 62-year-old retiree, fainted while walking his dog, his family rushed him to the emergency room. That’s when we diagnosed him with atrial fibrillation, a common but often silent heart rhythm disorder. Mr. Tan had no chest pain, no warning signs. Like many others, he didn’t even know what AFib was.

What Is Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). In AFib, the upper chambers of your heart (the atria) beat erratically—sometimes over 300 times per minute. This chaos disrupts blood flow and increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and cognitive decline.

There are four main types:

• Paroxysmal AFib: Comes and goes on its own
• Persistent AFib: Lasts more than 7 days
• Long-standing Persistent AFib: Ongoing for over a year
• Permanent AFib: A rhythm that becomes the heart’s “new normal”

Why It Happens: Causes of AFib

AFib can be a red flag for underlying heart problems—or result from other health conditions. Common causes include:

• Heart conditions: High blood pressure, coronary artery disease, valve disease, heart failure
• Medical conditions: Overactive thyroid, sleep apnea, chronic lung or kidney disease
• Lifestyle triggers: Alcohol, smoking, obesity, caffeine, stress
• Age and family history: Risk increases after age 60 or if you have a genetic predisposition

What Does AFib Feel Like?

Symptoms vary widely:

• Pounding, fluttering, or racing heartbeat
• Shortness of breath (especially on exertion)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fatigue or weakness
• Chest discomfort
• Anxiety or unease
• Fainting spells (in severe cases)

And yet—some people feel nothing at all. That’s why AFib is often called a “silent threat.”

How We Diagnose AFib

Diagnosis starts with listening—to your story, your symptoms, your concerns. Then we use the following tools:

• ECG (electrocardiogram): The frontline test to detect irregular heart rhythm
• Holter or event monitor: Worn for 1–30 days to catch sporadic episodes
• Echocardiogram: Ultrasound imaging of your heart’s structure and function
• Blood tests: Rule out thyroid issues or electrolyte imbalances
• Stress tests and EP studies: When more in-depth evaluation is needed
• Loop recorder: For long-term monitoring if episodes are infrequent

Why Treating AFib Matters

Unmanaged AFib isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s dangerous. It increases your risk of:

• Stroke by up to 5 times
• Heart failure from sustained irregular beats
• Cognitive decline due to reduced brain perfusion
• Fatigue and reduced quality of life

Your Personalized AFib Treatment Plan

Treatment is never one-size-fits-all. We build a plan around your heart, your health, and your lifestyle. Key goals:

• Control your heart rate
• Restore a normal rhythm
• Prevent stroke
• Improve how you feel

🩺 1. Medications

• Rate control: Metoprolol, diltiazem, digoxin
• Rhythm control: Amiodarone or other antiarrhythmics
• Stroke prevention: Anticoagulants like apixaban, rivaroxaban, or warfarin

⚡ 2. Cardioversion

• An electric shock restores your normal rhythm—quick and effective in many patients.

🔥 3. Catheter Ablation

• Using advanced mapping, we target and eliminate heart tissue triggering abnormal rhythms. Pulmonary vein isolation is a key technique.

🏥 4. Surgery or Devices

For select cases, options include:

• Maze procedure
• AV node ablation with pacemaker
• Pacemaker implantation for slow heart rates

Lifestyle Matters: You Have More Control Than You Think

What you do every day influences your heart rhythm. Support your heart by:

• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol and caffeine
• Exercising regularly (moderate intensity)
• Eating a heart-healthy diet: high in fiber, low in salt and processed foods
• Managing weight and sleep apnea
• Reducing stress (meditation, yoga, deep breathing)

Preventing Stroke: Our Top Priority

AFib-related strokes are more severe—but often preventable. We assess your risk using the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, and if needed, start blood thinners or consider options like left atrial appendage closure for those who cannot tolerate anticoagulants.

Living Fully with AFib

Mr. Tan is now back to morning walks—with no fainting spells. With tailored treatment, he enjoys a full and active life. You can too.

Here’s how:

• Take your medications regularly
• Follow up as scheduled
• Track your symptoms
• Ask questions
• Stay informed

You’re not alone in this. We’re here to guide you—every step of the way.