In this article:
- Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrythmia or irregular heart rhythm.
- Every year in the United States there are more than 454,000 hospitalizations with AFib as the primary diagnosis.
- Untreated Afib can result in stroke and increases your risk for congestive heart failure.
- Watch the short video below to learn more from a Providence Swedish Afib expert.
Atrial fibrillation, or Afib, is an irregular heartbeat in the upper chambers of your heart in which the heart’s electrical system doesn’t work as it should. Instead of a steady, regular pattern of electrical impulses driving your heartbeat, Afib is many different impulses firing rapidly at the same time. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 454,000 hospitalizations with AFib as the primary diagnosis happen each year in the United States and the condition contributes to about 158,000 deaths annually. In fact, the death rate from AFib as a primary or contributing cause of death has been rising for more than two decades.
David Lam, M.D., co-medical director of the Swedish Comprehensive Afib Network (SCAN) at the Swedish Heart and Vascular Institute, visited with KING 5's New Day Northwest recently for a discussion about the condition, how to recognize it and minimize our risk.
Watch this video to learn more from Dr. Lam and about Afib services at Providence Swedish.
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
If you have atrial fibrillation, it can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. The Swedish Comprehensive AFib Network and Clinic features the expertise of a multidisciplinary team and care options including weight loss programs, sleep apnea screening and medication management.
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider. You can also connect virtually with your provider to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
Related resources
Understanding atrial fibrillation, or AFib
For heart health, small changes make a big difference
Stroke: Symptoms, risk and other tips from a Swedish expert
Wearable and personal heart monitors are increasingly popular
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
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