Atrial fibrillation — also called AFib — is on the rise, with an estimated three million diagnosed adults in the US, according to the New York Times. That number is expected to quadruple with rising rates of obesity, diabetes and hypertension among aging adults.
AFib is an irregular heartbeat that can sometimes contribute to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other cardiovascular issues, according to the American Heart Association. Americans face about a 20 percent lifetime risk of developing the condition, but many people go undiagnosed. Symptoms of AFib include a racing, pounding or fluttering heart, periodic shortness of breath and excessive fatigue or dizziness from normal exertion.
Diagnosed AFib can also be managed with medications, surgical procedures and other interventions, but early detection is key for successful treatment.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
