Santa Maria Doctors Seeing Rise In Cases During AFib Awareness Month

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - September is Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month. 

Health experts are highlighting early warning signs for atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat condition that increases a person's risk of stroke fivefold.

One in four adults over age 40 is at risk for developing atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib. 

Left untreated, the condition can lead to heart failure and other severe cardiovascular complications. 

Dignity Health operates medical facilities offering cardiac rhythm services in San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria.

Key warning signs of AFib include an irregular or fluttering heartbeat, a racing heart rate at rest, shortness of breath, dizziness and fatigue. 

While some individuals experience noticeable symptoms, others may experience subtle tiredness or less obvious heart-related complaints.

Dr. Brett Gidney, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Dignity Health Pacific Central Coast Health Centers, emphasized that early detection is essential for effective treatment.

Medical care for AFib involves addressing individual risk factors rather than relying on a standard approach. 

Gidney notes that care plans are customized based on a patient's overall health profile.

Cardiovascular services for rhythm disorders are available at French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo and Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria.

These medical centers utilize electrophysiology labs and offer procedures such as catheter ablation to manage cardiac rhythms.

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