CHRISTUS Health recognizes Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month in September
Dr. Bao Nguyen
(LONGVIEW, Texas) – CHRISTUS Health is recognizing National Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month in September by raising awareness of this serious heart condition and encouraging the community to take proactive steps for their heart health.
AFib is the most common type of heart arrhythmia. About 12.1 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with the condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It is a condition characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate. It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart, known as the atria, do not beat in sync with the lower chambers.
“The electrical signals in the heart can become rapid and erratic, stimulating the left atria so fast that the heart can literally start shaking,” said Dr. Bao Nguyen, electrophysiologist with CHRISTUS Good Shepherd in Longview.
AFib can affect anyone, but certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the condition, such as obesity. Nguyen said patients who can lose 10% of their body weight can significantly reduce their chance of AFib, sometimes by as much as 50%. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and aging.
“We know that AFib is one of the major causes of stroke and the mortality of an AFib-induced stroke is very high,” he said. “That is why it is so important to catch it early, so we can work on an appropriate treatment plan.”
Treatment options for AFib can include medication including blood thinners, lifestyle changes or medical procedures such as an ablation.
Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that targets and eliminates the abnormal heart tissue responsible for the irregular rhythm. Nguyen said recent advancements in ablation, specifically pulsed field ablation (PFA), have increased safety, speed and precision compared to other methods.
“The structures around the heart are very sensitive and PFA has allowed us to treat the AFib in the heart and basically eliminate damage to surrounding tissue,” he said.
Nguyen said people should seek medical attention if they suspect they may have AFib or have persistent symptoms that include rapid heartbeats, shortness of breath and extended periods of fatigue.
About CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System
As part of CHRISTUS Health, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System is a faith-based, not-for-profit health system serving the northeast Texas communities with regional medical centers, primary and immediate care facilities and health and wellness centers. We specialize in cardiovascular, orthopedics, sports medicine, trauma, bariatrics, gastroenterology, women’s and children’s services, neurological, primary care, stroke care and surgical services. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve. For more information, visit www.christushealth.org.
