Irregular heartbeat is a common cause of stroke

Mellanie True Hills knows personally the toll that atrial fibrillation (afib) takes. Just two years ago, with a sense of urgency about afib that only a survivor can possess, she designated September as Atrial Fibrillation Month.

After surviving blood clots and a near-stroke during her first afib episode, she lived in constant fear that the next one would bring on a deadly stroke. Once cured surgically of this cardiac arrhythmia, she couldn't stand on the sidelines and watch others suffer so she started StopAfib.org, a non-profit resource for those living the nightmare of atrial fibrillation. Since afib frequently isn't diagnosed until after a stroke, or two, and identifying the problem can be a multi-year process, she knew that she had to act quickly to raise awareness.

As we at StopAfib.org mark our third year of celebrating Atrial Fibrillation Month, we know that so much progress has been made in raising awareness of this potentially life-threatening irregular heartbeat, but so much more must be done. We imagine a world where there are no deadly or disabling strokes. A world where atrial fibrillation no longer bankrupts families due to lost jobs, crushing medical bills, and the inability to get and keep insurance. A world where the cost of afib and strokes no longer threatens health systems and economies.

Once considered benign, these cardiac arrhythmias double the risk of death and increase stroke risk five-fold. Stroke is the third most common cause of death in America and the number one cause of permanent disability. Afib results in Medicare and health care costs that are spiraling out of control as five million Americans have it (Mayo Clinic) and 16 million will by 2050 as it overtakes aging Baby Boomers.

Our commitment to raising awareness of afib involves participating in the following Atrial Fibrillation Month initiatives (http://www.stopafib.org/newsitem.cfm/NEWSID/188):

• To officially designate September as National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month (U.S.)
• AF Stat(TM) A Call to Action for Atrial Fibrillation
• StopAfib.org's updated YouTube Channel to bring doctors to patients

Visit HON Code Certified StopAfib.org, the most visited U.S. arrhythmia site, and the Atrial Fibrillation Blog (http://atrialfibrillationblog.com) for what causes a stroke, afib treatment, news, videos, and a forum.