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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. One common condition that can increase men’s risk is atrial fibrillation, or AFib. It’s the most common heart arrhythmia. AFib-related deaths are rising, and many patients remain untreated.
Not only that, men develop heart disease 10 years earlier, on average, than women do. That’s why it’s important for men to be aware of the heart health risks they face at any age, and steps they can take to prevent them.
The Link Between AFib and Heart Disease
Atrial fibrillation causes a rapid and chaotic heartbeat in which the atrial electrical signals in the heart can increase as high as 350 to 600 beats per minute. AFib affects millions of Americans, but because many don’t experience any symptoms, the condition often goes undiagnosed. This can be dangerous, as AFib doubles the risk of heart-related deaths and increases risk of stroke by five-fold.
AFib can cause the upper chambers of the heart to not contract properly. When this happens, blood pools in an area called the left atrial appendage. The pooled blood can form a clot that travels to your brain’s arteries, interrupting blood flow and leading to a stroke. Moving down to the lower chambers of the heart, AFib can cause an irregular and often rapid pulse. This often results in symptoms like palpitations, fatigue, breathlessness and even reduced heart function.
Special Heart Risks for Men
Low testosterone levels in men have been linked to a higher risk for developing heart conditions. Certain behaviors like drinking and smoking too much can also increase heart disease risk.
AFib specifically can often be associated with high stress levels and mental health conditions, as the disorder is usually caused by strain on the left upper part of the heart. Men who have conditions like sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, lung disease or kidney disease may also be at a much higher risk for developing AFib.
Prevention and Treatments
One great way to reduce your risk for heart disease is to check your blood pressure regularly and discuss your cholesterol and triglyceride levels with your doctor. Men should also find ways to lower stress levels to avoid heightened blood pressure and stress hormone levels, which result in restricted blood flow to the heart.
Thanks to modern advancements, there are many therapies available today to treat AFib. Medications may be used to control the heart rate or to restore and maintain a normal rhythm. Advanced heart catheter ablation (AFib ablation) is another effective treatment option.
In addition, there are effective treatments to prevent clots and lower the risk for stroke, such as anticoagulation with a blood thinner or a small mechanical device (known as the WATCHMAN) that can be placed in the left atrial appendage of the heart.
Take Control of Your Heart Health Today
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. No matter your age, talk with your primary care doctor or cardiologist anytime you notice a change in your health. Our teams of primary care doctors and cardiologists, including those at our new hospital in St. Johns County, can provide you with the care you need, when and where you need it. Take control of your heart health by making an appointment today.
Dr. George R. Dibu is chief of cardiology at Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Johns County. For more information on Dr. Dibu, go to healthcare.ascension.org or call 904-691-9100.
