National Atrial Fibrillation Month: Understanding, Managing, and How CompleteOK Can Help

September is National Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month, a time to spotlight one of the most common heart rhythm disorders. AFib affects millions across the U.S., increasing risks of stroke, heart failure, and other serious complications when not properly managed. www.heart.org+2stopafib.org+2

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with AFib—or if you're at risk—it’s critical to understand what AFib is, how it impacts health, and what you can do. Let’s dive deeper.

What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial Fibrillation is an irregular or rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) where the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat chaotically, not coordinating well with the lower chambers. This can lead to inefficient blood flow, and over time, increase the risk of:

• Blood clots and stroke stopafib.org+1

• Worsening heart failure www.heart.org+1

• Reduced ability to exercise, fatigue, shortness of breath, and decreased quality of life stopafib.org+1

Some people with AFib have noticeable symptoms (palpitations, dizziness), while others may not even know they have it. Early detection and ongoing management make a big difference. stopafib.org+1

Risk Factors, Warning Signs, and Diagnosis

Risk factors include increasing age, high blood pressure, underlying heart disease, obesity, sleep apnea, excessive alcohol use, and thyroid issues. HRS+1

Warning signs may include:

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue

• Chest discomfort

Diagnosis typically involves an ECG or Holter monitor, possibly echocardiogram, and other tests to assess heart structure and function.

Treatment & Lifestyle Strategies

Managing AFib involves a multifaceted approach:

• Medication: Antiarrhythmics, rate control, anticoagulants to reduce stroke risk.

• Procedures: Cardioversion, catheter ablation (in appropriate cases) upbeat.org+1

• Lifestyle changes: Heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, weight management, avoiding excessive alcohol, controlling blood pressure and sleep apnea, stress reduction. www.heart.org+1

• Cardiac rehabilitation: Supervised exercise, education, diet, and risk factor management. Studies are showing cardiac rehab helps reduce AFib recurrences and improve quality of life. Harvard Health

How AFib Affects Daily Life in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, as in many states, cardiovascular disease and stroke rates are higher than national averages. Seniors and those in rural areas may face additional challenges: limited access to specialty cardiology care, longer travel times, fewer resources for continuous monitoring or rapid follow-up. Early management and home-based support can be extremely valuable.

How CompleteOK Helps Manage AFib

At CompleteOK, we offer services designed to support people with AFib at every stage—whether recently diagnosed, recovering from a procedure, or managing ongoing symptoms. Here’s how our services tie in:

• Home Health – Cardiac Program: Skilled nurses monitor heart rhythms, manage medications, track labs (like INR for anticoagulants), provide education about diet, activity, and symptom awareness. Physical therapy helps improve fitness, strength, and endurance.

• Wound Care & Orthopedic Rehab: For patients post-surgery or those who’ve had falls related to AFib symptoms (e.g. dizziness, fatigue), rehab and wound management help maintain mobility and safety.

• Palliative Care: When AFib becomes persistent or when other serious illnesses are present, our palliative care team addresses symptom relief, comfort, and improving quality of life while supporting patient goals.

• Hospice Care: For patients whose health is declining and whose life expectancy aligns with hospice criteria, we offer whole-person care including symptom control, emotional support, and care in the familiar setting of home.

• Home Services: Assistance with daily living (meal preparation, light housekeeping, follow-up support) so patients can avoid hospitalization or overexertion. This can significantly help reduce triggers that worsen AFib symptoms.

Prevention & When to Reach Out

Some preventive steps:

• Keep up regular check-ups with your physician or cardiologist

• Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol

• Avoid lifestyle triggers like uncontrolled stress or excessive caffeine or alcohol

• Learn to recognize AFib symptoms early

If you experience any symptoms like fast or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or dizziness, don’t wait. Contact your healthcare team—and reach out to CompleteOK if you need home-based support, evaluation, or monitoring.

Your Heart, Your Care

AFib is a serious condition—but with informed choices, lifestyle adjustments, and the right home-based support, people can live well and reduce risks.

If you or a loved one want help managing AFib, recovering from a cardiac procedure, or stabilizing your heart health, CompleteOK is here. Let us design a care plan with you—one that adapts as your needs change, in your home, with compassion and expertise. Request a no-cost consultation in seconds! We look forward to serving you!