Heart Rhythm Society wants Americans to Know What "A-Fib Feels Like" During Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kennesha Baldwin
Heart Rhythm Society
(202) 464-3476
kbaldwin@HRSonline.org

New Campaign Provides Tools and Resources to Education Millions At-Risk of Atrial Fibrillation

WASHINGTON, September 2, 2011 — Does it feel like a fish flopping, thunder rumbling or drums pounding in your chest? If so, you may be suffering from a serious heart condition called Atrial Fibrillation (AF). To help potential AF sufferers make that connection, the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) is kicking off AF Awareness Month with the “A-Fib Feels Like” campaign.

More than 2 million people in the United States (U.S.) live with AF, and approximately 160,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. In fact, as the population of the U.S. and other countries ages, projections show that more than 5.6 million adults in the next 40 years will be diagnosed with AF. Currently, AF accounts for approximately one-third of hospitalizations for cardiac rhythm disturbances in the U.S. and increases the risk of stroke by 500 percent.

“AF is the most common heart arrhythmia and, unfortunately, many people know very little about AF and just how serious it can be to someone’s long-term health,” said Bruce Wilkoff, MD, FHRS, CCDS, president of Heart Rhythm Society. “The Heart Rhythm Society has developed some tools to help and encourage all Americans to learn more about AF by becoming aware of warning signs, risks and treatment options that could potentially save lives.”

As part of the campaign, HRS has developed resources for both clinicians and patients to increase public knowledge about AF risk factors and available treatment options, including its first ever Public Service Announcement focused exclusively on AF.

What is AF?
AF is characterized by a rapid and irregular heartbeat caused when the top chambers of the heart (the atria) quiver (fibrillate) erratically, sometimes faster than 200 times per minute. The condition can severely depreciate an individual's quality of life, causing heart palpitations, chronic fatigue and debilitating pain. Effective treatment for AF returns the heart to a normal rhythm or controls the heart rate, and prevents blood clots and stroke.

What does AF feel like and what are the symptoms?

Thunder rumbling in your chest

Drums pounding in your chest

Fish flopping in your chest

Frequent palpitations (the feeling that your heart has skipped a beat)

Shortness of breath after climbing steps or exerting yourself

A decrease in your ability to exercise

Chest pain

Episodes of dizziness or fainting

What are the risk factors for AF?
Some people who are healthy and have no other medical problems do develop AF. The most common causes and risk factors include:

Older than 60 years of age

Diabetes

Heart problems, including: high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure and more

Thyroid disease

Chronic lung disease

Sleep apnea

Excessive alcohol or stimulant use

Serious illness or infection

For more information about the Heart Rhythm Society and AF please visit, www.MyAFib.org.

For access to the ‘A-Fib Feels Like’ Public Service Announcement, please visit, http://www.hrsonline.org/News/AF-awareness/af_psa.cfm.

About the Heart Rhythm Society
The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, DC, it has a membership of heart rhythm professionals in more than 70 countries around the world.