WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Atrial fibrillation (AFib), one of the most common heart arrhythmias, is a growing concern in the United States and worldwide, said Dr. David Weisman, the clinical cardiac medical director at Jupiter Medical Center.
“Atrial fibrillation is a serious condition,” Dr. Weisman said. “Patients really feel bad. They feel short of breath. They feel like their heart is racing. They may get dizzy, faint, and feel just generally tired.”
Dr. Weisman warned that AFib could lead to severe complications, including stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. He emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
“If you’re experiencing any of those kinds of symptoms, you really ought to get checked out,” he said. “Go see at least your primary care doctor or even a cardiologist.”
Weisman recommended an electrocardiogram (EKG) and possibly a monitor to diagnose the condition accurately. He also highlighted the importance of lifestyle changes, such as exercising, losing weight, not smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption.
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For those diagnosed with AFib, Dr. Weisman noted that there are effective treatment options available, including medication and minimally invasive procedures like catheter ablation.
“We have really good treatment options,” he said. “Many patients who end up coming to see myself, for example, will be offered minimally invasive type of treatments.”
Jupiter Medical Center is also exploring new procedures, such as the “Watchman” procedure, which aims to treat the heart rhythm disorder and reduce the need for blood thinners.
“Many of the patients who undergo these treatments really feel better afterwards and many of them are happy about it,” Dr. Weisman said. “It’s less recovery, it’s less cost, it’s less anesthesia.”
Dr. Weisman urged individuals to listen to their bodies and seek diagnosis if they suspect they might have AFib.
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