London, UK - Atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib, is the most common heart rhythm disorder globally. It is estimated that around 1 million people in the UK have AFib, with a growing prevalence in major cities like London. AFib is a condition where the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly and often rapidly, causing symptoms like heart palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath. If left untreated, AFib can significantly increase the risk of stroke and heart failure.
According to new statistics from the British Heart Foundation, the number of AFib cases in London has increased by nearly 30% over the past decade. Researchers cite an aging population, increased rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea as factors contributing to rising AFib numbers. Air pollution in London is also believed to be an emerging trigger for heart arrhythmias like AFib.
"AFib used to be viewed as a benign condition associated with old age, but we now know it has serious implications on quality of life and mortality," says Dr. Rahul Mehra, Cardiologist at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust in London. "Lifestyle changes like healthy diet, exercise and limiting alcohol intake can help prevent AFib. But for high-risk patients, medications or procedures like ablation may be necessary to regulate the abnormal heart rhythm."
Some London hospitals have responded by setting up special AFib clinics and registries to improve screening, diagnosis and treatment. St. Bartholomew's Hospital has opened a dedicated AFib and Heart Failure Unit. King's College Hospital uses remote ECG monitoring devices to better detect paroxysmal AFib.
Patient advocacy groups have called for increased public awareness about AFib symptoms and risks. "AFib may cause subtle symptoms that can be overlooked. We want people to recognize common signs of AFib such as palpitations, fluttering in the chest, dizziness, and shortness of breath, and seek medical advice as needed," says John Riley of the AF Association.
As AFib cases rise, improving prevention, detection and management of the condition will be key to reducing associated strokes, hospitalizations, and costs - making it an important public health concern for London.
With AFib on the rise in London, being proactive about prevention and management is imperative. “We encourage people, especially those over 60, to be aware of their heart health and any signs of arrhythmia,” says Dr. Boon Lim, a cardiac electrophysiologist and AFib specialist at St. Mary’s Hospital. “Seeing your GP at the first sign of palpitations or other symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, which improves outcomes. For diagnosed AFib patients, following your treatment plan closely and adopting heart-healthy lifestyle changes can help reduce risks.”
Dr. Lim emphasizes that new minimally invasive procedures like AFib ablation are very effective for regulating heart rhythm in eligible patients. “Current guidelines recommend ablation for many patients with symptomatic AFib not controlled by medications. In experienced hands, ablation has high success rates, so patients shouldn’t rule it out due to outdated perceptions. Consult an electrophysiologist to see if it’s appropriate for your specific situation.”
Regular screening and being proactive when symptoms arise allows for earlier intervention in AFib. Patients should work closely with their doctor to explore optimal treatment approaches. Management of AFib has improved significantly in recent years, making it possible to effectively control symptoms and minimize associated risks.
Originally posted on:
https://healtiswealth.quora.com/Atrial-Fibrillation-in-London-An-Emerging-Health-Concern
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