ONE IN FOUR OLDER ADULTS HAVE NEVER HEARD OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION YET REMAIN AT HIGHEST RISK FOR THE HEART RHYTHM DISORDER

Heart Rhythm Society’s Second Annual “A-Fib Feels Like” Campaign Educates Americans on How to Recognize Warning Signs of Atrial Fibrillation

Heart Rhythm Society: WASHINGTON, September 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Adults over the age of 60 are at the greatest risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), a potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorder. Yet, according to a recent survey conducted by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), more than 25 percent of Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 have never heard of AF. Today marks the kick-off of HRS’ second annual “A-Fib Feels Like” campaign to help educate Americans about the symptoms and warning signs associated with AF and encourage those who suffer from the disorder to talk to their doctors about their risks and potential treatment options.

AF is characterized by a rapid and irregular heartbeat caused when the top chambers of the heart (the atria) quiver (fibrillate) erratically, at rates faster than 300 times per minute. The condition can cause heart palpitations and severely depreciate an individual’s quality of life. The most common causes and risk factors include being older than 60 years of age, hypertension, diabetes, heart problems, thyroid disease, chronic lung disease, sleep apnea, excessive alcohol or stimulant use, serious illness or infection. Read more