Atrial Fibrillation: The Need for Personalized Care

Atrial fibrillation, also referred to as AF or AFib, is the most common type of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the electrical signals in the heart become disorganized, causing the upper chambers (atria) to quiver rather than beat effectively. As a result, blood may not flow properly through the heart, potentially increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other serious complications.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with AF, you know that the journey doesn’t end with a single diagnosis. Managing AFib is a long-term commitment that requires ongoing care, attention, and coordination with a healthcare team. Here, we’ll explore why a personalized care approach and a strong, enduring relationship with your physician are essential for managing AF effectively.

Every AF patient is different

There is great variation in how people experience AF. Symptoms can include palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, and even chest pain. The duration and intensity of these symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Patients with more intense symptoms often will desire more aggressive treatment approaches to relieve AF. However, some patients state that they feel no obvious symptoms at all and thus are not inclined to want to treat their atrial fibrillation. However, a careful history and conversation with a physician often can reveal subtle and insidious symptoms and limitations in their daily routines and lifestyle that had previously gone unnoticed.

Additionally, AF is often associated with underlying conditions like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or other heart disease, which can further complicate treatment approaches. Older adults or those with other chronic conditions may have different treatment needs than younger, healthier individuals. The risk factors and effects of AF are unique to each individual, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. The treatment plan that works for one person might not be effective for another. For this reason, personalized care is crucial.

The Importance of an Ongoing Physician-Patient Relationship

Management of Atrial Fibrillation is not a one-time intervention but a lifelong journey. There is no one-time cure for atrial fibrillation, but we have methods of achieving decisive suppression and treatment to restore quality of life. Here’s why an enduring relationship with your physician is essential:

Monitoring Progress Over Time: AF can evolve over time. There are times when AF is well-controlled with medication or lifestyle changes, and other times when AF flares up and treatment adjustments are necessary. An experienced physician who knows your history and condition will be better equipped to make timely adjustments to your care.
Continuing advances in AF management: Ongoing research in AF leads to new treatment approaches and technological advances year after year. Your physician can assess and incorporate these into your treatment plan. Staying up-to-date can be invaluable in optimizing your care.
Emotional Support and Education: A diagnosis of AF can be daunting, and navigating the complexity of symptoms and treatment options can feel overwhelming. Having a dedicated physician who listens, educates, and can help formulate a strategy and provide expectations can empower patients and reduce anxiety.
Assembling a multi-disciplinary AF team: Most individuals with AF also have other chronic conditions, such as congestive heart failure, lung disease, chronic kidney disease, obesity and sleep apnea. Addressing these other conditions and risk factors are important in treating AF, and your physician can help coordinate care between multiple specialists.

The Journey Together

Having a physician who has already navigated through the Atrial Fibrillation journey with other patients can give you more confidence as you start the life-long road ahead. Educating yourself as much as you can on AF is important, but you need an experienced AF physician to contextualize all that you are reading online to your particular situation. Understanding the condition, working with a physician who is attuned to your needs, and remaining committed to regular check-ups and care is the key to manage AFib and live a full, healthy life.

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Dr. Jeff Lee is a board certified electrophysiologist at Virginia Heart, a comprehensive cardiology practice in Northern Virginia.