A Discussion on Atrial Fibrillation - Understanding Symptoms, Risks, and Management

Join cardiologist Hugh Calkins for an informative 31-minute discussion on atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder affecting millions of Americans. Explore the different types of AFib, its symptoms, and the possibility of asymptomatic cases. Learn about risk factors, including gender differences, hyperthyroidism, and lifestyle choices. Understand the connection between AFib and serious health complications such as stroke and dementia. Discover various treatment approaches, including rhythm control strategies and risk factor modification. Gain insights into the importance of weight loss, annual physicals, addressing sleep apnea, and moderating alcohol consumption in managing AFib. Conclude with a look at future research directions in this critical area of cardiac health.

Introduction
What is atrial fibrillation
Types of atrial fibrillation
Symptoms of atrial fibrillation
asymptomatic atrial fibrillation
risk factors for atrial fibrillation
more common in men than women
hyperthyroidism
Stroke risk
Dementia risk
Why is AF linked to dementia
Quality of life
Rhythm control strategy
Risk factor modification
Weight loss
Annual physical
Sleep apnea
Alcohol
Future research
Conclusion