Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a common heart rhythm disorder with potentially serious consequences on longevity. Characterized by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat, Afib can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. Tragically, this condition is linked to over 300,000 premature deaths each year.
Despite its prevalence and severity, many patients with Afib fail to consult an electrophysiologist—specialists who are crucial in managing heart rhythm disorders.
In our recent podcast episode, Dr. R. Todd Hurst engaged in a conversation with electrophysiologist Dr. Divya Varma, who highlighted a startling statistic: according to Dr. Varma,
'Less than 10% of people with AFib actually make it to an electrophysiologist.'
Why is this the case? And why is it so important for you to defy that statistic when addressing your own health?
HealthspanMD™ is committed to improving patient outcomes by creating a personalized, Proactive Longevity Assessment and Action Plan with access to the right specialists. If you or a loved one suffers from Afib, reach out to HealthspanMD to explore the possibilities of a longer, healthier life.
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Keep reading to learn more about the importance of seeing an electrophysiologist when living with Afib.
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a heart condition characterized by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat. This occurs when the heart's electrical system malfunctions, causing the upper chambers (atria) to beat chaotically and irregularly out of coordination with the lower chambers (ventricles).
Signs & Symptoms of Afib
Symptoms of Afib can include:
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
These symptoms can vary in severity and may lead to significant discomfort and anxiety for patients.
Risk Factors for Afib
Potential risk factors that contribute to the development of Afib include high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, obesity, and a history of heart attacks or other heart conditions. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can increase the risk of developing Afib. If left untreated, Afib can lead to severe complications such as blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other types of heart disease.
How Prevalent is Afib?
Globally, atrial fibrillation is a major health concern affecting millions of individuals. According to Dr. Varma, 'As age goes on, pretty much everybody's going to get it. 60% of the world population past the age of 60 will have atrial fibrillation.' It is estimated that around 33 million people worldwide suffer from Afib, with the numbers expected to increase in the coming decades due to aging populations and rising risk factors like high blood pressure and obesity. The condition is a leading cause of stroke, which can result in long-term disability or death.
Managing and treating Afib effectively is vital for enhancing longevity and quality of life, and nothing could be more helpful than the specialized skills of an electrophysiologist.
The Role of an Electrophysiologist
An electrophysiologist is a specialized cardiologist with advanced training in diagnosing and treating irregular heart rhythms, such as those seen in atrial fibrillation (Afib). As Dr. Varma puts it, 'Think of me as the electrician. I try to explain to my patients that your general cardiologist is the contractor of the house. I take care of the electricals, and then we have my plumbing partners. So we take care of everything electrical concerning the heart.'
The journey to becoming an electrophysiologist involves completing a cardiology fellowship followed by additional specialized training in electrophysiology. This equips them with an in-depth understanding of the heart's electrical pathways and advanced techniques for restoring normal heart rhythm.
For patients experiencing the challenges of Afib, involving an electrophysiologist in their care plan can lead to better outcomes and a more comprehensive approach to restoring normal rhythm in the heart.
Why Should You See an Electrophysiologist?
The benefits of consulting an electrophysiologist for Afib management are too important to ignore. These specialists are adept at diagnosing atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, preventing blood clots, and managing congestive heart failure. Their expertise is critical for optimizing treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.
Electrophysiologists like Dr. Varma bring specialized knowledge that can prevent severe complications such as strokes, helping patients live longer, more vibrant lives.
In the podcast, Dr. Varma sheds light on a critical concern: Why don't people with Afib typically see an electrophysiologist?
'I think it stems from awareness and education, and the education has to start at the level of primary care,' says Dr. Varma. 'What we want to do is provide access to the primary care doctor. They should be able to send their patient directly to an electrophysiologist.'
Many patients with atrial fibrillation remain under the radar due to inadequate awareness among both patients and primary care providers. This gap in care can hinder proper diagnosis and management techniques, ultimately compromising a patient's longevity and increasing the risk of premature death.
HealthspanMD™ bridges this gap by seamlessly connecting patients to specialists like Dr. Varma. At HealthspanMD, we believe in the power of prevention and longevity-focused, high-quality care that includes lifestyle coaching as an integral part of our approach.
As Dr. Varma notes about her partnership with HealthspanMD™ when speaking to Dr. Hurst, 'Lifestyle modification is a big part of AFib care, which a lot of providers tend to forget. And I think that's where you and I can collaborate well.'
What to Expect During An Appointment With An Electrophysiologist
During your initial consultation with an electrophysiologist like Dr. Varma, you can expect a thorough evaluation aimed at understanding your atrial fibrillation (AFib) condition in detail. The process typically begins with a detailed review of your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms. 'We can then start the workup with a basic echo stress test,' says Dr. Varma. '20% of AFib cases can be ischemia-related, but we can help expedite that workup.'
In addition to the stress test, your electrophysiologist may conduct other evaluations to understand any underlying factors that could be contributing to your condition, such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, or other risk factors. Blood tests, electrocardiograms, and Holter monitoring may also be part of the diagnostic process.
Following the assessment, a personalized treatment plan will be developed, tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. This could involve a combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, and possibly interventions like ablation, which is a procedure used to destroy the heart tissue causing irregular rhythms.
This is why close collaboration between primary care providers and specialists is so important. As Dr. Varma says to Dr. Hurst, 'What we want to do is educate and make other providers aware of the need to send the patient directly to an electrophysiologist. The earlier you send the patient to us, the better the outcomes are, whether it's ablation, whether it’s medications, et cetera.'
Take Charge of Your Heart Health With HealthspanMD
Heart health is crucial to maintaining a vibrant and energetic life, even if you've been diagnosed with Afib. With the collaborative support of an electrophysiologist, cardiologist, and primary care practice, you have the opportunity to make informed decisions that can significantly enhance your quality of life and longevity.
At HealthspanMD, we prioritize personalized care that addresses your unique needs, aiming for the best possible outcomes. Take charge today and ensure your heart is in expert hands.
Book a consultation with HealthspanMD and begin your journey to a healthier, longer life.
