Atrial Fibrillation Explained

Book excerpt: It is very likely that you or someone you love is one of the 30 million people worldwide who has the 'irregularly irregular' heartbeat of atrial fibrillation. Or, it is possible that you may be among the people who do not realise they have this highly unpredictable condition, the impact of which can range from inconvenience to blackout, heart failure or stroke. An ageing population and our Western lifestyle are ensuring that the prevalence of atrial fibrillation, often referred to by its initials, AF, is increasing at such a rate that it is predicted to be the next cardiac epidemic. Despite it being so widespread, AF does not allow a one-treatment-for-all approach. While it can be managed, currently AF cannot be cured, so you could have it for a long time. Atrial Fibrillation Explained is a must-read for sufferers and those who care about them, medical practitioners and anyone planning to live into a healthy, old age. Having a better understanding of AF as a disease and learning about its treatment will open up meaningful conversations between patients and their medical practitioners, leading to greater insight into the best way to look after the condition in personal sets of circumstances. This book is a must-read for you.