Heart rhythm abnormality can surprise women

BY DR. ANTHONY PEARSON | Posted: Thursday, February 23, 2012 12:15 am

Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm abnormality in the United States today. It is a major cause of stroke, disability and death and is equally prevalent in men and women. Women often don’t realize that they can be at risk for atrial fibrillation because, in the past, these complications have mainly been associated with men.

Atrial fibrillation is a condition in which the upper chambers of the heart (atria) are beating chaotically and ineffectively, resulting in a rapid and irregular heart rate. This causes ineffective cardiac performance and symptoms including palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue and/or chest pain. Women are more likely than men to have these symptoms.

Effective treatment methods available include medications, surgery or catheter-based techniques, and they may be applied differently depending on one’s gender. Read Full Article