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7 u n i t e d r e g i o n a l . o r g Heart Health WHAT IS AFIB? Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an abnormality of the rhythm of the heart. Although AFib itself is not dangerous, it is a serious medical condition that needs to be managed because it significantly raises your risk for a stroke or heart attack. The abnormal heart rhythm associated with AFib means blood does not pump through the heart as it should, causing it to pool in the atria where it can form a clot. If a clot breaks free and blocks a blood vessel to the brain, you may have a stroke. A clot in the heart can cause a heart attack. People with AFib are five times more likely to have a stroke and three times more likely to have a heart attack. Dr. Darpan Kumar says, "If you have AFib, you are not alone. It's estimated that more than three million Americans have AFib, and your risk of AFib increases with age." RISK FACTORS FOR STROKE • Age • Diabetes • Systolic blood pressure greater than 120 • Family history AFIB SYMPTOMS Dr. Kumar explains the most common symptoms of AFib are a fluttering heart and fatigue. You may also feel dizzy, anxious, have shortness of breath, or even feel chest pain or pressure. Some people have no symptoms at all (called Silent AFib). Repeated incidents of AFib can lead to irreversible heart rhythm abnormalities. Although AFib sometimes goes away on its own, it generally requires treatment. Electrophysiology (EP) is a subspecialty of cardiology that diagnoses and treats abnormal heart rhythms. EP studies can also evaluate symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, weakness, and palpitations, in addition to irregular heartbeats. EP studies are used to locate the source of abnormal heart rhythms and help determine if the rhythm problem can be treated with medication or if other interventions are needed. Dr. Darpan Kumar, Electrophysiology TREATMENT OVERVIEW There are many treatments for AFib, including medications, surgery and other nonsurgical procedures. The primary goal of treatment is to reduce your risk of stroke by preventing blood clots. Depending on your symptoms and the severity of AFib, your physician may also recommend treatments to restore your heart rate or heart rhythm. If you have any questions about AFib, or experience symptoms that may indicate AFib, talk to your physician. Early treatment for AFib can prevent a debilitating stroke or heart attack. • Congestive heart failure • Being female • A prior stroke Dr. Darpan Kumar returns to Wichita Falls and is key in the development of a new Electrophysiology (EP) Program, adding to United Regional's comprehensive cardiac care. The EP program will provide diagnosis and treatment including the complex cardiac ablations and other electrophysiology services, allowing patients to stay in our community for this specialized care. Dr. Darpan Kumar's practice will be located at DSK Arrhythmia Services in The Heart Clinic building, 1631 Eleventh Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301. To make an appointment, a physician referral is required. Please have your cardiologist call 940-687-5100. Managing to reduce your risk