This post was sponsored by Boston Scientific as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
Cardiac arrhythmia, better known as irregular heartbeat in layman’s terms, may sound far-fetched when first hearing this combination of words. But staggering statistics tell us a different story.
Atrial fibrillation – known as AFib – is a type of irregular heartbeat that affects more than five million Americans.
AFib can occur in both men and women, with some studies suggesting that it may be more common in men.1 However, the risk of adverse outcomes like a stroke is higher in women.2
With the aging population in the United States, the frequency of AFib is increasing as well.
What does it mean for a person to have an irregular heartbeat?
This medical condition can be experienced in several ways. Sometimes an AFib patient can feel like their heart skipped or added a beat. At times, a patient describes their irregular heartbeat as “fluttering,” with either the heart beating too fast or too slow.
Without doubt, any person who experiences this too frequently should see a medical professional right away.
Is it bad to have an irregular heartbeat?
It can be dangerous to leave an irregular heartbeat without medical attention. Look at this statistic below:
People with AFib have a five times greater risk of suffering from a stroke than someone with a regular heartbeat.1
Doctors recommend persons who suspect they have experienced an irregular heartbeat to see a specialist immediately, especially when it is accompanied with additional symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pains, fainting, and swelling in the legs.
It is recommended to keep a journal when you experience irregular heartbeat, in order to document its occurrence to discern whether it is connected to natural causes or a potential medical condition. Ultimately, only a medical assessment can determine the presence of Atrial fibrillation.
Is there a Treatment for an Irregular Heartbeat?
AFib patients are supported through medical procedures or by prescribed medications, including blood thinners to reduce their increased risk for stroke.
With modern medical technology, there are ways to support patients with AFib in a more powerful way.
For instance, one of the latest ways to allow patients with AFib to resume life without some of the bleeding and lifestyle challenges associated with blood thinners is the WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device.
FACT: There are now more than 100,000 WATCHMAN devices implanted worldwide
What is WATCHMAN?
WATCHMAN is an FDA-approved device alternative to Warfarin for patients with non-valvular AFib patients who need a different stroke reduction option
Each WATCHMAN is implanted via a one-time, minimally invasive procedure, with a proven safety record.
To find out details about WATCHMAN device, please go to the Boston Scientific site.
If you or your loved one has Atrial fibrillation, and are taking blood-thinners as part of your management plan, then please research what the WATCHMAN device is about and what it could do for you. As with any medical procedure, talk to your doctor about benefits as well as risks, including internal bleeding, stroke and others.
REFERENCES:
1 January CT, Wann LS, Alpert JS, et al. 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on practice guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. Circulation. 2014 Dec 2;130(23):e199-267. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000041. Epub 2014 Mar 28. No abstract available. Erratum in: Circulation. 2014 Dec 2;130(23):e272-4.
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579870/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4558350/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28395886
44 thoughts on “Atrial Fibrillation Patients Have More Treatment Alternatives with Boston Scientific WATCHMAN Device”
It’s great that AFib patient now have some options to ease this condition. This device sounds revolutionary. Thank you for sharing this informative article.
Natalie,
This is so important to bring awareness to such technology in the medicine.
It can truly save lives. One person will tell someone who needs it, and that’s the importance of awareness.
I had never heard about any of this, so thanks for brining it to my attention!
Christopher,
It may happen that you may share this information with someone who may need it.
We never know when we’ll need the facts we learn.
I have an irregular heartbeat and now take medication for it but before that, I could be sitting in my comfy sofa and my heart would suddenly start to pound almost double as hard – I can assure you that it’s pretty scary – but with my meds I am ok 🙂
Renata,
It is valuable to hear from a person who has the first-hand information and experience. Thank you.
Please take care, my friend.
Wow this device can save many people and it’s such interesting to read about heart treatment nice post 🙂
Yes, the technology goes forward, bringing lifesavers like this WATCHMAN medical device.
I hope this device will help people. I`m glad many people with scary illnesses can have a normal life today.
Olga,
Over 100,000 people in the world have this device and live their lives with so much quality.
It’s a good thing that there are more studies, treatments, and options given now. This is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly.
Kathy,
It is a serious condition that calls for immediate attention. Great to know that there are effective options out there.
I have never heard of Atrial Fibrillation before but I learned so much from this post. I am glad that there is a device to help those who have the condition.
True, many people are not aware of the situation. That is why I chose to share this info to spread the awareness – it saves lives.
It’s good that the device can be implanted so easy. I know someone taking warfarine and I know how complicated this drug is.
Joanna,
This is great that you can share this information with a person who could benefit from it.
So glad to know more about these options! Thanks for sharing!
Catalina,
Sometimes, options is what makes a person hopeful to receive a relief to the existing condition.
This sounds like a great help for people suffering AFib. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Toni,
This is one of the potent options for AFib patients right now. Obviously, they need to be evaluated by their physicians before making a final decision. But options are out there.
Such important information! I didn’t know anything about this treatment!
Maartje,
Yes, this is why we exist to share the important facts and raise awareness, so all of us become empowered and share the facts with others.
Same as everybody else, I think you are educating people which which is a great job. Not all people like me know about this condition.
Michael,
Thank you. I learned a lot while researching this topic. My hope is that it will make a difference.
I think my father-in-law has atrial fibrillation. I’ll have to pass this post on to him.
Sherry,
Please do. At least he can bring this topic up with his physician.
I never knew how much went into it. Glad I read on this. I need to stay in touch.
Kita,
Being aware makes us more powerful in making decisions.
What an informative post – I learned so much. A must read for women. Fabulous that technology is helping people to live longer, healthier, nourishing lives.
This technology is so necessary for people that are having this conversation this is so helpful
I’ve never heard of this before but what an incredible tool for people with atrial fibrillation!
Heather,
Watchman is a super unique medical device that changes people’s lives. Gives options and gives life back to a person with AFib.
It’s great to hear about this. I didn’t know a whole lot about Afib to begin with. I’m glad to hear there are some great options out there.
Kathy,
Raising awareness about AFib and the treatment options makes us all more powerful.
Having more treatment options is good. That way people can find the one that helps them
Definitely, Tara.
And this medical device has been proven to work favorably.
Very interesting, I didn’t realize so many suffered from this disease.
Kate,
It is hard to pin point and keep track of all the conditions in this world, unless you know someone who suffers from it.
I’ve never heard of Watchman to be honest!!! Oh this is amazing and life-changing for sure. I am sharing your post.
Chad,
This is super amazing medical device that allows an individual with AFib to live a normal life.
I had no idea this was even an option! It’s so good to know that there are so many options to help people live longer healthier lives.
Lisa,
Yes, this WATCHMAN technology is super unique and helpful to allow a person to live as normal life as possible.
There was a point in my life where I had to wear a halter vest heart monitor to track my heartbeat. Mine is irregular but they have not given me the official title of Afib.
Amy,
Thank you for sharing. Knowing you, you’ll always research the alternatives.
Hugs!