Aspirus Offering Free Seminar on Atrial Fibrillation

Over 2.7 million Americans are thought to suffer with atrial fibrillation (AFib), although many are unaware that they have it. The irregular heartbeat caused by the heart rhythm issue increases the risk of heart failure and stroke significantly if treatment is not received.

On Tuesday, July 23, Aspirus Heart Care is hosting a free seminar to educate people on atrial fibrillation, its link to heart failure and strokes, and cutting-edge treatment options including the recently introduced pulsed field ablation.

The session is held from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at The Waters of Minocqua. Attendance is free, but registration is needed.

John Johnkoski, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Aspirus Heart Care, and Kevin Rist, MD, PhD, an electrophysiologist, will discuss conventional management, minimally invasive surgical techniques, catheter-based ablation, and combined methods for treating atrial fibrillation in order to help patients live more active lives, minimize symptoms, and prevent strokes.

According to Dr. Johnkoski, “the main problem with atrial fibrillation isn’t just the symptoms, which are certainly concerning, like racing or skipping heartbeat or shortness of breath; rather, patients with the condition should know they are at much higher risk of heart failure and stroke.” “Compared to people with normal sinus rhythm, individuals with AFib have an approximately five-fold increased risk of stroke.”

“Prompt diagnosis is crucial because arrhythmias in the heart involve abnormalities in the electrical signals,” states Dr. Rist. The electrical characteristics and atrial tissue may alter as a result of protracted occurrences. These alterations may prolong AFib and complicate its management.

Individuals under 65 are also experiencing an increase in AFib in the United States, according to recent research published in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology. Furthermore, compared to people without AFib, those in this group had a higher risk of being hospitalized for heart failure, stroke, or heart attack. Risk factors that over time can lead to cardiac disease include diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, obesity, hypertension, and sleep apnea. These variables may also be responsible for this increase.

Keeping AFib under control is crucial to lowering the likelihood of dangerous consequences. To encourage symptom-free, active lives, it’s critical for people with AFib to actively engage in their treatment plan and collaborate with their medical team.

For registration, please visit aspirus.org/classes-events or call 800.847.4707, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.