After the veteran Italian-American director Francis Ford Coppola appeared on the red carpet at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, unable to walk unassisted, he told reporters that he had undergone an update procedure for atrial fibrillation, which he had first treated 30 years ago. Sayidaty highlights this condition, its causes, treatments, and preventive measures.
Atrial fibrillation affects around 7 million people worldwide. About half of diagnosed patients do not respond to medication, and untreated patients face up to five times higher risk of stroke. AFib is the most common heart rhythm disorder globally, affecting one in four adults over 40. Patients are also at higher risk of blood clots, which increase the chance of stroke fivefold. Ischemic stroke is the most common type related to AFib, accounting for 92% of strokes, often resulting in severe weakness.
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
AFib is defined as an irregular heartbeat in the upper chambers of the heart (atria), reducing the heart’s pumping efficiency. It may cause other rhythm problems, chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart failure.
AFib can cause blood to pool in the atria, forming clots that may travel to the brain, blocking blood flow and causing a stroke. Clots may also block blood to other organs. AFib often occurs alongside risk factors such as:
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High blood pressure
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Heart valve disease
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Diabetes
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Chronic kidney disease
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Obesity and weight loss issues
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
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Sleep apnea
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Other respiratory conditions
A study indicated that AFib prevalence among Arab and South Asian populations is about 1.8%.
Main Symptoms of AFib
According to the NHS, AFib symptoms may include:
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Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
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Sudden fluttering, rapid, skipped, or lost beats lasting seconds to minutes
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Heart rate above 100 beats per minute
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Severe fatigue or difficulty exercising
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Chest pain or tightness
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Shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting
Sometimes, AFib shows no symptoms and is discovered during routine exams or testing for another condition.
Available Treatments for AFib
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Blood-thinning therapy: Highly effective in preventing strokes associated with AFib. Preventing ischemic stroke remains a primary goal.
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Medical devices and procedures:
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Catheter ablation: A procedure that isolates or destroys areas in the heart causing rapid atrial beats. Safe for patients unresponsive to medication.
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Electrical cardioversion: Uses electricity to restore normal heart rhythm.
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Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): Devices implanted to regulate heart rhythm.
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Lifestyle and AFib
Dr. Maurice Khoury of the Lebanese Society of Cardiology noted:
"Rapid lifestyle changes in the Middle East are a major reason for the rising rates of cardiovascular disease. Heavy burdens of heart disease are directly linked to widespread risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles."
He emphasized that these factors lead to cardiovascular diseases, such as fatal heart attacks, causing significant early-life losses among Arab populations.
Dr. Khoury added:
"Atrial fibrillation has a major public health impact, increasing stroke risk and hospitalizations. Today, patient care focuses not only on symptom management but also on reducing risk factors and guiding lifestyle changes. AFib is usually a chronic condition, but it can now be treated effectively with positive outcomes."
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