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Q: What is atrial fibrillation?
Dr. Kimble Poon, Cardiologist, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii: Atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, that can cause serious complications. Atrial fibrillation is very common in older patients, affecting 9 percent of adults over 65. Fortunately, diagnosis and treatment can reduce your risk.
A healthy heart beats with a steady, even rhythm. In contrast, in patients with atrial fibrillation, the heart's upper chambers beat chaotically. This makes it difficult for the heart to move blood effectively into the lower ventricles, and it can allow blood clots to form. If these clots break free, they can cause a stroke.
The most common symptom of atrial fibrillation is heart palpitations or the sensation of a pounding or fluttering heartbeat. Other symptoms can include fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, weakness, sweating, difficulty exercising and anxiety. Some people with atrial fibrillation may have no symptoms. However, a doctor can often detect an irregular heartbeat during a routine examination.
To diagnose atrial fibrillation, your doctor might order an electrocardiogram or a monitor you wear at home for an extended period (usually one to 14 days). Treatment begins with addressing the underlying cause of the atrial fibrillation (such as regular alcohol use, obesity and sleep apnea). Medications can reduce blood clots and other risk factors for stroke (such as high blood pressure and diabetes).
You can help protect your heart and help reduce your stroke risk by maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, taking medications as prescribed and working with your doctor and care team to follow your treatment plan.
If you or someone you love has atrial fibrillation, it is essential to know the symptoms of stroke and call 911 immediately if you notice warning signs. Signs of a stroke include numbness or drooping on one side of the face, weakness in one side of the body and slurred speech.
The bottom line is that atrial fibrillation is a serious health condition, and many patients successfully manage this condition with lifestyle changes and medications.
Maui Memorial has been recognized by the American Heart Association for excellence in heart and stroke care. Learn more about our services at mauihealth.org/heart.
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Q: Are there any resources to help me keep my new teen driver safer on the road?
Cameron Rogers, Trauma Injury Prevention & Outreach Coordinator, Maui Health: Sadly, crashes are the No. 1 killer of teens in the U.S. and many lethal teen car crashes are due to reckless and distracted driving. The silver lining is that crashes due to distracted driving are preventable, and there are resources available to help parents coach and set rules with their teens.
One helpful tool is the Parent-Teen Driving Agreement developed by the Centers for Disease Control and American Academy of Pediatrics. The easy-to-follow contract can help guide the conversation around safe driving with your teen. It includes agreements on safe driving behavior and a section to write in consequences if rules are broken. You can download the contract at mauihealth.org/drivesafe.
As you talk to your teens, remember that rules are more likely to be followed if there is a clear understanding of why they are in place. Have an honest conversation with your teens about how unforgiving a few seconds of distraction can be when behind the wheel.
Most importantly, it is critical that we model the behaviors we are asking of our teens. Put your phone down when you drive, or better yet, keep it out of sight in the glove box. As parents and caregivers, we must "walk the walk" when it comes to the safe driving habits you are trying to instill in your teens.
To help keep our teen drivers safe, Maui Memorial Medical Center's Trauma Outreach team is now offering "What Do You Consider Lethal?" -- a free, hour-long course that helps teens really understand how the decisions they make each time they drive can change their lives. To learn more or book a session, please visit mauihealth.org/drivesafe or call (808) 264-1082.
For more on teen driving safety, visit mauihealth.org/teendriver.
* Physicians, providers and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in Healthwise Maui, which appears on Thursdays. Maui Health operates Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital & Clinic and Lana'i Community Hospital and accepts all patients. To submit a question, go to the website at mauihealth.org/healthwise.