Atrial Fibrillation Screening in Newton, NJ

Seeing Patients in Newton, Vernon, and Milford

Have you ever experienced the feeling of your heart skipping a beat? Or feeling like your heart is banging against your chest wall? You’re not alone. An estimated 5 million Americans live with irregular heart rhythm, also known as atrial fibrillation or AFIB.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of AFIB, don’t wait to see a specialist. To schedule an appointment with a board-certified cardiologist in NJ; Vernon, NJ; Milford, PA; or Newton, NJ, contact us today. Give our office a call at (973) 579-2100 or request an appointment through our secure online form.

What Happens During AFIB?

Your heart normally contracts and relaxes to a regular heartbeat. However, AFIB causes the upper chambers (atria) to beat irregularly and out of correlation with the bottom chambers (the ventricles). The irregular heartbeat can cause no symptoms, or it can cause palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue.

What Causes Atrial Fibrillation?

As you age, it’s important to be aware of the risk factors for Atrial Fibrillation because the chance of heart disease and related conditions like Atrial Fibrillation increases.

Risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Heart failure
• Congenital or structural heart defects
• Pericarditis

It is also important to note that atrial fibrillation is more likely in men and in people who have had a heart attack. Lifestyle habits such as drinking large amounts of alcohol, having too much caffeine, or being extremely stressed can trigger atrial fibrillation as well.

What Are the Symptoms of AFIB?

Atrial Fibrillation causes some of the heart’s chambers to contract faster than normal and when this happens they may not be able to pump enough blood to the body.

Some people experience symptoms that may include:

• Heart palpitations
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Can AFIB Cause Long-Term Heart Damage?

Malfunctions such as AFIB affect how the heart pushes oxygen-rich blood through the body. Because it impacts blood flow, some complications can occur if people struggle with AFIB for a long time:

• Other muscles and organs can lack oxygen-rich blood, which can result in a weakening of the heart
• Clots can form because blood isn’t moving properly through the body
• Blood clots can cause strokes, and they also affect the brain
• Heart palpitations and irregular heart rhythm can cause chest pains, especially in severe cases

Treatment Options for Atrial Fibrillation in Vernon, NJ

To stop AFIB from causing long-term damage, there are a few treatment options physicians might suggest, including:

• Rate control – This is done for people who have a fast heart rate, which is the most common symptom of AFIB
• Rhythm control – Restoring a normal heart rhythm is usually done with cardioversion, antiarrhythmic medications, or ablation procedures
• Stroke prevention – Physicians prescribe anticoagulants to reduce their patient’s risk of stroke