Atrial fibrillation: Major contributor to stroke

Professor Albert Fenech, chairman of the Cardiac Services at Mater Dei Hospital and president of the Malta Cardiac Society, stated that AF increases in frequency with aging and raises an individual’s risk of stroke. He advised people, especially those above 40 years, to go in for regular check-ups to avoid complications.

A routine health check by a doctor is all that is required to detect the ailment. Some people with AF have no symptoms, but others experience a fluttering feeling in the area of the chest above the heart, chest pain, fainting, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

AF, heart disease and stroke
A serious complication associated with AF is stroke, which can lead to permanent brain damage. Everyone with AF is at risk for a stroke, but some people are at greater risk than others. These include individuals who have already had a stroke or transient ischemic attack.

According to experts AF increases the chances of stroke by five time, heart failure by three times and that of death by two times. However all possibilities decrease substantially if patients receive adequate treatment.

Receiving adequate treatment for AF in the early stages to slow erratic heart beat and restore it to its normal rhythm is vital, since it decreases the chances of stroke.

At times, AF can be treated, but many times when complications arise this is not possible and a patient is left with chronic AF affecting his physical functions and social life.

The disease is widespread in Malta with nearly one patient admitted daily to hospital with complications related to AF.

Consultant Cardiologist Oscar Aquilina stated that 250 - 300 patients afflicted with AF are admitted at Mater Dei Hospital every year. He also added that 25 percent of AF patients progress to chronic AF over five years.

What is atrial fibrillation (AF)
AF is a common heart rhythm disorder affecting around 2.3 million individuals. AF is more frequent in men than women. It occurs when the upper chambers (atria) of the heart beat rapidly and chaotically, which can cause the pulse rate to jump to over 100 beats per minute and interfere with the heart's pumping efficiency.

Excessive alcohol, thyroid disease, diabetes, hypertension, obstructive disease of the lungs, underlying heart disease and valvular heart disease can cause AF.

There is an urgent need to create an awareness of the disease as it is not recognized as major health hazard. Health experts state that the condition is common and associated with high morbidity and mortality rates.