September in the South means lots of football. It is also Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month and while the gridiron action can sometimes cause your heart to skip a beat, it is a far cry from atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition that if left untreated can lead to a stroke.
Often called AFib or AF, atrial fibrillation is an abnormal rhythm of the heart that affects more than 2.7 million adults in the United States. AFib is a quivering or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
Atrial fibrillation can strike anyone, even extremely fit athletes and it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Most patients with AFib experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- irregular heartbeat,
- heart palpitations,
- lightheadedness,
- extreme fatigue,
- shortness of breath or chest pain, and should seek immediate medical care.
Even if the symptoms go away, it is important to see a physician and have a physical exam.
For patients in West Tennessee that require event monitoring to diagnose arrhythmias, West Tennessee Healthcare Heart and Vascular Center offers the latest advancement in cardiac monitoring. The new system features a patient-friendly design with no wires, batteries or leads to manage so patients can sleep, shower and exercise while wearing the patch.
“The new monitor is much easier to wear and can be worn for longer periods,” said Emily Garner, Clinical Manager for West Tennessee Heart and Vascular Center for the Heart and Vascular Center. “Because of this we are seeing greater patient compliance which has meant that the diagnosis rate is much more accurate than before.”
West Tennessee Healthcare Heart and Vascular offers comprehensive care for a full range of cardiovascular disease, including Afib. Nationally trained physicians and state-of-the-art technology ensures patients receive the care their condition demands right here—close to home. For more information about West Tennessee Healthcare Heart and Vascular services call (731) 541-2273.
Jackson Madison County General Hospital has once again earned a Platinum Chest Pain – MI Registry Performance Achievement Award. The hospital has maintained this level of excellence since joining the Registry in 2012.
The Chest Pain – MI Registry™ Performance Achievement Award program recognizes hospitals participating in Chest Pain – MI Registry who have demonstrated sustained, top-level performance in quality of care and adherence to guideline recommendations.
