September is Atrial Fibrillation Month

September has been declared Atrial Fibrillation
Month to raise awareness of this life-threatening heart condition. Embrace Your Heart’s Medical Interpreter and founder of the patient resource StopAfib.org Mellanie True Hills, provides some great information:

Commonly known as afib, atrial fibrillation is a misfiring of the electrical signals of the heart involving rapid or irregular heartbeats or quivering of the heart’s upper chambers. Once considered benign, according to Mellanie True Hills of StopAfib.org, this cardiac arrhythmia can actually lead to congestive heart failure
or stroke. One-third of atrial fibrillation patients will have a stroke, and afib is responsible for 105,000-140,000 strokes per year in the United States. Stroke, a top-three killer, claims at least one person every hour and is the number one cause of permanent disability.

More than five million Americans now suffer from atrial fibrillation in which the heart goes out of control with little warning and for no apparent reason. It’s a frightening occurrence that will impact millions more as atrial fibrillation overtakes aging baby boomers. The Mayo Clinic estimates that by 2050 at least 16 million Americans will have it.

What You Can Do in September for Atrial Fibrillation Month:

• Listen to your heart for racing, palpitations, or an irregular heartbeat.
• Learn about atrial fibrillation.
• Learn about afib causes and risk factors, which may include existing heart disease or obstructive sleep apnea.
• If you suspect atrial fibrillation, ask your doctor to check you out.
• If you have atrial fibrillation, learn how to treat and manage afib.
• Ask family and friends to learn more.

If you are looking for more treatment, The Atrial Fibrillation Services Locator
features more than 175 hospitals, arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation
centers, electrophysiologists, cardiologists, and surgeons who
specialize in treating atrial fibrillation patients.

Download a free copy of Eliz’s Patient Perspective Magazine on Atrial Fibrillation.

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Eliz Greene is the Busy Woman’s Guide to a Health. Drawing on her experience surviving a massive heart attack while seven-months pregnant with twins, struggling to lose the 80 pounds gained during her pregnancy, and her background as an adaptive movement specialist, Eliz developed simple strategies and tips to help other busy women be more active, eat better and manage your stress.

As the Director of the Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative, Eliz travels the country energizing and inspiring audiences in keynotes and workshops on women’s heart health. She writes one of the top 100 health and wellness blogs. Find more at www.EmbraceYourHeart.com