When a Kaiser Permanente member discovered she had an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, her cardiologist helped reduce her risk of stroke.
Harriet, a retiree and longtime Kaiser Permanente member, had always been active and healthy. However, her family history of heart disease made her extra vigilant about her own heart health.
So, when she noticed her heart was beating faster than normal on a regular basis, she knew she needed to see a doctor right away.
Reema Chugh, MD, Harriet’s cardiologist at the Kaiser Permanente Panorama City Medical Center, told her that she had atrial fibrillation, or A-fib. A-fib is a type of irregular heartbeat that can increase the risk of stroke and other heart-related complications.
“I was shocked and scared,” said Harriet (who asked that her last name not be shared to protect her privacy). “But everyone at Kaiser Permanente was so patient and kind.”
An irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, is when your heart beats too fast, too slow, or in an uneven, irregular rhythm. A-fib is a type of arrhythmia that can cause blood to pool in the 2 upper chambers of the heart (called the atria). Pooled blood is more likely to form clots. These clots can travel to the brain and block blood flow, resulting in a stroke.
Signs of stroke include numbness or weakness on one side of your body, confusion, or a drooping face. If you have these symptoms, get medical attention right away.
According to the American Heart Association, people are more likely to develop A-fib as they age. About 2% of people in their 60s and 9% of people in their 80s have the condition.
"Dr. Chugh took the time to explain everything to me and made sure I understood what was happening,” said Harriet. “I’m so grateful for the excellent care.”
Harriet began taking a prescribed blood thinner every day to prevent blood clots from forming in her heart and reduce her risk of stroke.
She also made lifestyle changes. She joined health education classes for nutrition and stress management at the Center for Healthy Living in Southern California. She started eating a healthier diet, focusing on lean protein and plenty of fruits and vegetables. And she started exercising more, with regular brisk walks.
“As a health care professional, I find it so fulfilling when people make lifestyle choices that complement medications and interventions,” said Dr. Chugh. “Especially when they result in good health and a better quality of life like they did for Harriet.”
Cutting back on alcohol can significantly reduce your risk of A-fib. And if you have sleep apnea, talk with your doctor about treatment options. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea can greatly increase your likelihood of developing A-fib.
Here are more tips for maintaining a healthy heart:
With the right care and attention, you can reduce your risk of A-fib and other heart conditions.
“I’ve learned that taking small steps can go a long way to improving my health,” said Harriet. “I want to share that with others so they can take care of their hearts too.”
Learn more about taking care of your heart health.
A Kaiser Permanente doctor and researcher shares the simple changes you …
Tasha Champion shares how early testing by her oncologist at Kaiser Permanente …
A father's determination to stay healthy for his 3 children led him to …
A sharp increase in rates of adult caregiving is taking a mental and physical …
As a lifelong nonsmoker, Mariann Stephens was shocked to learn she had …
An interview with Kaiser Permanente sleep expert Clarisse Glen, MD, sheds …
A Kaiser Permanente physician thought he pinched a nerve during a tennis …
Endless bad news is just one fingertip away online. One Kaiser Permanente …
Bettye Garrett’s personal doctor says her healthy perspective on life’s …
In August 2023, John Lynn collapsed at work. For the next year, he fought …
A lifelong educator seeks behavioral health care to manage repetitive worries, …
After a long period of loneliness and isolation, Roberta Maguire gets the …
Miriam Gutierrez was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer at age 31. …
Kaiser Permanente celebrates doctors and nurse practitioners recognized …
Connecting through a shared heritage gives one therapist a unique perspective …
With the support of his health care team and nurse navigator, musician …
The new Pueblo North Medical Offices will replace the existing facility …
After a life-threatening series of heart attacks at age 57, Bunnell Fockler …
Donna Budway received prompt surgery followed by chemotherapy. She credits …
A basketball coach’s remarkable story of undergoing brain tumor surgery …
Support from a dedicated care team helps Tiffany Anonye breastfeed her …
A mother and daughter share a special bond after undergoing tonsillectomies …
Kaiser Permanente in San Diego helped plan a special send-off for Katie …
Ed Dalmasso needed an aortic valve replacement. His care team provided …
Harold Newman had advanced prostate cancer. Genetic testing helped expand …
5280 Magazine named 332 Kaiser Permanente physicians to its annual Top …
A Southern California program, powered by our connected care model, is …
When a newborn was diagnosed with meningitis, a life-threatening infection …
Delivering multiple babies is difficult, but Kaiser Permanente care teams …
Chris Hogan faced kidney cancer and prostate cancer at the same time. He …
A young father is enjoying “bonus time” with his kids thanks to new targeted …
Patients like Carol Pitman are living longer thanks to advances in lung …
Feeling emotional or overwhelmed after a new baby’s arrival? You’re not …
Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, …
One in 5 people experience depression, anxiety, or other mental health …
It’s easy to put off recommended health screenings, and sometimes even …
Black Americans experience worse health outcomes compared to other populations …
Lynch syndrome is a gene mutation that increases colon cancer risk. Learn …
Virtual cardiac rehab helped Mike Kelly heal at home after a life-threatening …
A healthy life after cancer is possible. Learn how Kaiser Permanente helps …
Medical Financial Assistance program supports access to health care.
Kaiser Permanente excels in preventing, detecting, and treating kidney …
For Sam Beeson, having a midwife at her side during her pregnancy helped …
Colorado musician back with the band thanks to new virtual cardiac rehab …
A new Kaiser Permanente facility in Bellflower, California, makes customized …
Early detection of the disease, before it becomes advanced, will increase …
Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for most people starting …
Care teams at Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center helped Phillip Crawford …
Gabriel Abarca had no hope for his future. Then the team at Kaiser Permanente …
Innovative surgical recovery program helps breast cancer patients safely …
You have only one heart. ‘Prescribe’ yourself a few changes to help protect …
One of the best ways to prevent future heart conditions is knowing what …
Tookie Gentilcore returns to enjoying life thanks to a quick, safe method …
People with diabetes are more likely to have heart disease.
Kaiser Permanente’s Patient Advisory Councils help us create exceptional …
In Oregon, our stroke teams are providing patients with industry-leading …
Following a COVID-19-related hospital stay, Robert DeLeon took charge of …
Members experiencing a low risk pregnancy have the option of having their …
A new care option offers a mix of in-person and virtual visits, supported …
From diagnosis to recovery, David Parsons, MD, shares how screening, treatment …
Dr. Yong Shin shares how people with heart disease can live longer, while …
The use of a ventricular assist device implant gives one Oregon woman the …
Our Advanced Care at Home program provides high-quality, safe care in familiar …
It’s never too late to quit smoking. At Kaiser Permanente, we can help …
A team of specialists treats an expecting mother’s cancer while keeping …
A child and adolescent psychiatrist shares tips on supporting your child …
Joy Short, a Kaiser Permanente member and employee, turned her breast cancer …
The prestigious Magnet® designation affirms the compassion, dedication, …
Fit and focused, an Oregon father and runner rebounds after an aortic valve …
For years, serious heart attacks meant hours of weekly appointments. Now, …
Members give video visits high marks — and with a few simple tips, you …
Our clinicians help patients get the care they need to move forward with …
Excessive heat and pollution can increase your risk of experiencing dangerous …
Stories in the Department of Research & Evaluation 2022 Annual Report demonstr …
Research and clinical trials play a vital role in advancing cancer treatment …
Kaiser Permanente is at the forefront of cervical cancer research. Find …
A Kaiser Permanente cardiologist shares advice on how to stay safe, what …
After a diagnosis for a rare type of blood cancer, Marla Marriott got high-qua …
The Kaiser Permanente Southern California 2022 Community Health Snapshot …
Learn how lifestyle medicine is part of cancer care at Kaiser Permanente.
Fay Gordon's breast cancer was caught in the early stages thanks to genetic …
Tarayn Fairlie, MD, a pediatrician and lactation consultant, helps separate …
Michael West shares his incredible journey from diagnosis to treatment …
Many people with cancer experience depression and anxiety. Mental health …
Our members are more likely to feed their babies breast milk. And they’re …
Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center’s Bridge Program has become …
Doctor and mother of 3 Susan Brim received top-notch care after her lung …
Carter Shaver from Portland, Oregon, shares his optimistic smile after …
Help change the future of cancer prevention by joining Connect today.
A reminder that men and women can assert control over risk factors that …
Thanks to personalized care from a team of skilled doctors, Christina McAmis …
Kaiser Permanente member Debbie Hoisch encourages people to know the warning …
Peer mentoring program matches new cancer patients with others who’ve gone …
Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center achieves Magnet status, the …
As a nonsmoker, Betty Schuldt’s stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis was surprising, …
Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center recognized by the Women’s Choice …
Kaiser Permanente offers many high-quality, convenient options to help …
Treatment for bipolar disorder and opiate addiction helps a Kaiser Permanente …
A member’s cancer journey, which took her from patient to employee, reflects …
From avid snowboarder to chronically ill patient. How Kaiser Permanente …