Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is no longer a condition found primarily in older adults. A growing number of younger Americans are experiencing AFib with symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath and dizziness.
“You can literally have AFib at any age,” says Yasser Rodriguez, M.D., a cardiac electrophysiologist at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital. “The important thing is that you see your doctor. The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of preventing it from getting worse.”
For years, AFib, which causes abnormal heart rhythms, has been treated with cardiac ablations using fluoroscopy, or x-rays. While effective, the procedure exposed other areas of the body to potentially harmful radiation.
“Fortunately, we now have a new technology to perform cardiac ablations for AFib through a technique called ‘zero fluoroscopy,’” says Dr. Rodriguez, who specializes in complex ablations. “We have moved away from x-ray, which can increase the risk of breast, lung, skin and even bone marrow cancers. Zero fluoroscopy ablation poses less risk, making the procedure safer for younger patients who may need additional ablations down the road.”
At a time when AFib has increased three-fold, this is welcome news for both cardiologists and their patients.
“AFib is a risk factor for life-threatening conditions, such as heart attacks and strokes, and contributes to 158,000 deaths each year in the United States,” says Dr. Rodriguez. “We are extremely pleased to be able to offer this safe and effective technology to our patients.”
Visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Heart to learn more about the Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic in Florida.
