A rock drummer’s take on atrial fibrillation

l

The incidence of atrial fibrillation increases as we age, so be on notice, you Baby Boomers. It’s the most common heart rhythm condition, and it’s also the most common heart-related reason for hospital admission. And as shown in this 90-second Heart and Stroke Foundation film (featuring Toronto musician and former Our Lady Peace drummer Jeremy Taggart, author of Canadianity: Tales from the True North Strong and Freezing), we should all know more about this heart rhythm condition which can triple our risk of stroke. 

Some people diagnosed with A-fib may feel absolutely nothing, while others experience a range of symptoms (such as the oft-heard complaint: “I feel like there’s a fish flopping around in my chest!”).

A-fib symptoms may include:

• Irregular and fast heartbeat
• Heart palpitations or a rapid thumping in the chest
• Chest discomfort, chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath, particularly with exertion or anxiety
• Fatigue
• Dizziness, sweating or nausea
• Light-headedness or fainting

For more on atrial fibrillation, visit cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. John Mandrola’s helpful website.

Q: Have you or somebody you know been diagnosed with A-fib?.