What is Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB)?

Atrial fibrillation (AFIB) is a common heart rhythm disorder, known as an arrhythmia, where the heart beats irregularly and often rapidly. It occurs when chaotic electrical signals in the atria (the upper chambers of the heart) cause an erratic heart rate, leading to inefficient blood flow. People with AFIB are at a higher risk for serious complications, such as stroke and heart failure. The irregular heartbeats can cause blood clots to form, particularly in the left atrial appendage. If these clots travel to the brain, they can trigger a stroke.

While both AFIB and atrial flutter involve a fast heart rate, the key difference is in the rhythm. Atrial flutter is more organised and regular, while AFIB is unpredictable and irregular. Understanding these differences is important for proper treatment. Addressing AFIB early is essential, as both stroke and heart failure can have a serious impact on quality of life. Timely diagnosis and intervention can reduce these risks and improve overall health outcomes.

Prevalence of AFIB in Australia

Atrial fibrillation is becoming more common in Australia, particularly among older adults. The risk of developing AFIB increases significantly with age, with individuals over 60 being much more likely to experience it. Approximately 5% of Australians over 60 are affected, and the numbers rise even higher for those over 80. People of European descent, particularly women, tend to be more susceptible to AFIB.

AFIB often occurs alongside existing heart conditions, making it especially risky for people with heart disease. Other contributing factors include obesity and diabetes, both of which are widespread in Australia. Lung disease can also worsen AFIB symptoms.

Interestingly, AFIB is frequently seen in people recovering from heart surgery, highlighting the need for careful monitoring during the recovery period. Understanding who is most at risk helps in developing better prevention and treatment strategies across Australia.

Risk Factors for Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB)

Understanding the risk factors associated with AFIB is crucial for effective prevention and management. Various elements contribute to the likelihood of developing this condition, including lifestyle choices, underlying health conditions, and demographic factors.

Age and Gender Considerations

Age and gender play significant roles in the development and progression of atrial fibrillation. As people age, their cardiovascular system undergoes natural changes that can increase the risk of arrhythmias like AFIB. Those over the age of 60 are particularly vulnerable, and the risk continues to rise significantly with age. Older adults may face more complications due to pre-existing conditions, making timely detection and management of AFIB essential for this group.

Gender differences are also important to consider. Studies have shown that women are more likely to experience AFIB-related complications, such as stroke, even though men tend to develop AFIB at higher rates. Societal norms and expectations may also influence how symptoms are reported and perceived, with some evidence suggesting that women might delay seeking treatment. Recognising these demographic impacts is crucial for developing personalised treatment plans and ensuring that care is tailored to each individual’s specific risk profile.

Hypertension, Heart Disease & Diabetes

Hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes are deeply interconnected conditions that significantly increase the risk of developing AFIB. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, places continuous strain on the heart, leading to thickening of the heart muscle and weakening of the cardiovascular system over time. This can directly contribute to heart failure, arrhythmias, and other complications like AFIB.

Heart disease, in turn, often develops as a result of prolonged hypertension and can further exacerbate the risk of AFIB. When the heart is already weakened or damaged, the likelihood of experiencing irregular heart rhythms increases.

Diabetes adds another layer of risk. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and disrupt normal metabolic processes, further straining the heart. Hypertension and diabetes often occur together, creating a dangerous cycle that increases the risk of both heart disease and AFIB. Managing these conditions through lifestyle changes and appropriate medical interventions is key to reducing the overall risk of AFIB and its associated complications.

Impact of Obesity & Physical Inactivity

Obesity and physical inactivity are major contributors to the rising prevalence of AFIB. Excess weight puts additional strain on the heart, increasing the risk of developing AFIB, particularly in individuals with a high body mass index (BMI). Obesity often leads to related conditions, such as hypertension and sleep apnea, both of which are strongly linked to AFIB.

In addition to the mechanical strain that excess weight places on the heart, obesity can trigger metabolic changes that exacerbate the risk of arrhythmias. Lack of physical activity compounds these issues, as regular exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy heart and reducing the likelihood of AFIB.

Research has shown that weight loss and increased physical activity can significantly reduce the recurrence of AFIB and improve overall heart health. This underscores the importance of lifestyle interventions that target weight management and encourage regular exercise to mitigate AFIB risk.

Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week (September 18 – 24)

Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week, led by Hearts4Heart, is a vital initiative dedicated to educating the public about atrial fibrillation and battling the lack of awareness in Australia. Held annually, the week brings together healthcare professionals, organisations, and advocates to raise awareness about AFIB’s symptoms, risks, and the importance of early detection and management. With hundreds of thousands of Australians affected by AFIB, the campaign empowers individuals to recognise the warning signs and seek timely medical advice. By fostering a deeper understanding of AFIB, the initiative aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of related cardiovascular events.

Alarmingly, 38.1% of individuals with ECG-confirmed AFIB remain unaware of their condition. This lack of awareness is often linked to factors such as lower education levels, living in rural areas, and infrequent visits to general practitioners (GPs).

During Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week (18-24 September), a wealth of resources is available to help increase public knowledge and understanding. The Hearts4Heart website provides free educational materials and support networks.

Promoting education and improving healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, can bridge the gap in awareness and enable better health outcomes for those affected by atrial fibrillation.

Monitoring AFIB at Home

In addition to seeking medical advice, regularly monitoring your heart health at home can be a valuable step in managing AFIB. Devices like the OMRON HEM7361T Advanced Blood Pressure Monitor not only measure your blood pressure but also detect signs of AFIB, giving you a comprehensive view of your cardiovascular health. This advanced device features dual sensors to ensure accurate readings, and its Bluetooth® capability allows for easy tracking of your results via the OMRON Connect app on your smartphone. Regular monitoring can aid in early detection of irregularities, helping you stay proactive about your heart health.

For more information on the OMRON HEM7361T and how it can support your heart health, visit Smart Wellness.

Source:

https://hearts4heart.org.au/event/atrial-fibrillation-awareness-week-18-24-september/