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Consistently working long hours might do more than wear you out – it could also raise your risk of a common and potentially dangerous heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation, or AFib. The information came from a study of more than 85,000 people in Europe, finding that those who worked 55 or more hours per week were about 40 percent more likely to develop AFIB than those working 35-40 hours.
AFib is the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia and has been a commonly known risk factor for stroke. Some experts have been quick to note that – because the study couldn’t prove cause and effect – its results should be interpreted with caution.
In AFib, the heart’s two small upper chambers – the atria – don’t beat the way they should. Instead of beating in a normal pattern, the atria beat irregularly and too fast, quivering like gelatin. The heart needs to pump properly, so your body gets the oxygen and food it needs.
Some of the most common symptoms of AFib include:
• Irregular and rapid heartbeat
• Heart palpitations or rapid thumping in the chest
• Dizziness or sweating with chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath or sudden anxiety
• Fatigue when exercising
• Fainting
It’s estimated that between 3 and 6 million people in the U.S. have atrial fibrillation. One can live with AFib, but untreated it can lead to other medical problems including stroke, heart failure, chronic fatigue and inconsistent blood supply. The risk of stroke is about five times higher in patients with AFib, as blood can pool in the atria and trigger blood clots. Treatment options include medications such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers to slow or regulate heart rhythms, blood thinners to prevent clots from forming, and even electrical cardioversion, a pacemaker or other surgical procedures, depending on the underlying cause and level of disability.
Interestingly, researchers at Harvard recently published the results of yet another atrial fibrillation study – this one focused on the link between chocolate and AFib. A study of more than 55,000 Danish men and women clearly suggests that eating a little chocolate regularly may lower the odds of developing AFib. The most positive impact was seen in the group who ate 2 to 6 servings per week.
Even just a few small changes can make a huge difference in your risk factors. Since AFib patients are predisposed to having blood clots, which could lead to stroke, if you are concerned you might have Atrial Fibrillation, please call your physician immediately for a consultation
AFib Prevention:
• Start exercising regularly
• Eat a healthy heart diet
• Manage high blood pressure
• Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stop smoking immediately
At Munroe Regional Medical Center, their cardiologists are experts in invasive diagnostic testing and interventional procedures. If you or someone you know has a cardiac related healthcare episode, a chronic heart condition such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure, or have an elevated risk for heart-
related health issues, Munroe Heart has the expertise and the technology to bring you superior cardiac healthcare.
As an Accredited Atrial Fibrillation Center by the American College of Cardiology, Munroe Regional Medical Center provides cardiac care through a team of experienced cardiovascular, patients are predisposed to having blood clots, which could lead to stroke, if you are concerned you might have Atrial Fibrillation, please call your physician immediately for a consultation
AFib Prevention:
• Start exercising regularly
• Eat a healthy heart diet
• Manage high blood pressure
• Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stop smoking immediately
At Munroe Regional Medical Center, their cardiologists are experts in invasive diagnostic testing and interventional procedures. If you or someone you know has a cardiac related healthcare episode, a chronic heart condition such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure, or have an elevated risk for heart-
related health issues, Munroe Heart has the expertise and the technology to bring you superior cardiac healthcare.
As an Accredited Atrial Fibrillation Center by the American College of Cardiology, Munroe Regional Medical Center provides cardiac care through a team of experienced cardiovascular, thoracic cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiac anesthesiologists, and cardiac rehab specialists. With decades of experience in treating heart conditions, Munroe Heart has led the hospital to become a cardiac education center for numerous hospitals in the state of Florida.
Munroe Heart is designed to be a heart hospital within a larger, complete medical center and features:
• Structural Heart Program
• 4 cardiothoracic operating rooms
• A 14-bed cardiovascular intensive care unit
• Electrophysiology lab for complex heart rhythm disturbances or complex pacemakers
• 4 catheterization labs for heart disease treatment.
• Chemistry lab robot that can process 100 labs per hour for fast testing turnaround
• Cardiac rehabilitation in six convenient locations
If you suspect your heart rhythm
might be irregular, be sure to ask your primary care doctor to do a preliminary evaluation, and to refer you to a cardiologist if needed. If you need assistance scheduling with a physician, please call Munroe Regional Medical Center at 1-800-575-3975, or visit their website at MunroeRegional.com.
Munroe Regional Medical Center
1100 S.W. 1st Ave.
Ocala, FL 34471
1-800-575-3975
