Keeping the beat can be a struggle for many aspiring musicians – but for people with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), it’s a much more serious concern. The problem is that far more people have AFib than know it, giving rise to any number of unnecessary deaths. Clearly, knowledge is power – so let’s find out more...

So what exactly is AFib?
AFib is a heart condition that makes your heart beat out of rhythm. It can affect people of any age, but it becomes more common as we get older. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that they even have it, placing them at more serious risk. In 2018, the Keep The Beat campaign was established in Blanchardstown, Dublin in an effort to raise awareness about AFib – and to encourage people to talk to their doctors about getting checked for the condition.

Tell us more about the campaign...
"Since its formation," Finn Lyons Cardiology Country Brand Lead from Pfizer tells us, "the campaign has been impactful to date with many people seeking help from their doctor or checking with their parents to see if they have any possible symptoms." While the intent is deadly serious, the current campaign video is eye-catching and fun. It stars a seriously hard-rocking band, who just happen to be over 70 – emphasising the fact that AFib is more common the older you get. Although the exact cause of AFib is not fully understood, increasing age is one of several risk factors that increase your likelihood of developing the condition. AFib is also more common among people with other heart conditions, including high blood pressure; thickening/blockage of the blood vessels that supply the heart; heart disease from birth; experience of a heart attack; and after heart surgery.

What are the risks of having AFib?
People with AFib are five times more at risk of having a stroke than someone without AFib. When their heart starts beating out of rhythm, sometimes quite fast, the upper chambers of the heart do not pump in the normal way Ð which may cause blood to pool and clot. A part of the clot may then break off and travel in the bloodstream to the brain, where it lodges, causing a stroke.

How do you know you have AFib?
There's only one way of knowing for sure, and that's to have it checked out. AFib can feel different for different people. In fact, some people with AFib do not experience any symptoms at all – which means that many people are living with the condition and don't know it. However, a fast heartbeat or 'palpitations' could be the first signs, along with tiredness, shortness of breath, chest pain (angina) or dizziness. That's why the Keep The Beat campaign is urging people – and encouraging people to urge their loved ones – to talk to their doctors about Atrial Fibrillation.

So how exactly do you get it checked?
The good news is that it's easy. The doctor will take your medical history, give you a medical examination and arrange for an Electrocardiogram (ECG), which confirms your heart rhythm. Other investigations may include an echocardiogram of your heart, similar to an ultrasound, or a 24-hour ECG monitoring (Holter Monitor). "Although it is a very serious condition, that is more common the older you get and can increase your chances of having a stroke, a visit to your doctor could make all the difference," Finn says. "Once diagnosed and treated accordingly, you could continue to lead a very normal life."

So what’s the remedy?
If you have AFib, it's also important to know that you're not alone. In fact, it's the most common heart rhythm disorder in Ireland. Treatments for AFib may include medicines to regulate your heart rate; medicines to thin your blood and reduce stroke risk; healthy lifestyle changes; and medical and surgical procedures to restore normal heart rhythm.

Is there anything you can do to help yourself?
The first thing is to have it checked and to follow your doctor's advice. Making a few small lifestyle changes can have a big impact on managing your AFIb, and reducing your overall risk of getting high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke. Regular visits with your doctor or nurse allow you to monitor your overall heart health – tracking your pulse, blood pressure and cholesterol. Understanding AFib and the triggers for you are also important – helping you to reduce your symptoms and shape a diet and exercise routine that is the best fit for you. Of course, it's important to discuss any planned exercise routine with your doctor or nurse, to find out what a safe and reasonable level of activity is for you.

Sounds like lifestyle is important here...
It is, but it's not the complete answer. You can certainly reduce your risk level by eating more fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods, and managing your weight. For some people, alcohol and caffeine can trigger episodes of AFib. If you feel symptoms of AFib after drinking either alcohol or caffeine, it's recommended you avoid them. Smoking can also trigger AFib. If you smoke, try to quit, as it further increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Some over-the-counter medicines – including herbal remedies like St John's Wort – can make your AFib worse, or may affect other medications that you are taking, so you should always take medicine as prescribed by your doctor.

Is stress a factor?
Although it's easier said than done, it's also important to watch your stress levels, and learn to relax. For some people, feeling stressed can be a trigger for AFib. Take time to relax everyday – try meditating or taking a walk. Try not to take on too many things at once, and don't be afraid to say no to some things. Make sure you take time out for yourself. If you are feeling overwhelmed, share your concerns with a loved one or friend – and rely on your support network.

So what do I do now?
A good thorough check-up with your doctor is always a good idea anyway. But, even if you don't think you're at risk of AFib, you can still spread the word of the Keep The Beat campaign with your family and friends – particularly older people, and people with other heart conditions. Head over to keepthebeat.ie and share their campaign video with your loved ones via Facebook, Twitter or Email. You might just help to save someone from a stroke or a heart attack.

• If you’re concerned that your heart isn’t rocking on beat, speak to your doctor for more information – and visit keepthebeat.ie where you can download the Afib guide, which includes tips on how to look after your heart.