Atrial Fibrillation Institute

Silent AFib refers to Atrial Fibrillation that occurs without noticeable symptoms. When AFib is "silent" people typically don't feel irregular heartbeats, dizziness, or fatigue, making it hard to detect without regular check-ups.

Although it might be "silent," it still poses serious risks such as stroke or heart failure. Hence, talking with your GP, cardiologist or EP is important to make sure that these risks are managed - this might mean that you might need blood thinners to prevent stroke, or to check in on your heart function with an echocardiogram from time to time.

Often, Silent AFib is found incidentally - while you are attending a health or medical appointment for something else, an ECG picks up the AFib Rhythm. It's also a good reason to have a heart health checks!

In particular, if you are over 65 or have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease, talk to your GP about a heart health check, including a screening for silent AFib.

💓 Types of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation is a long term condition, that changes over time. Based on how often, how long your AFib episodes last, and how easily (or even whether) you return to sinus rhythm, then we think of your AFib as being one of three types.

🔹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘅𝘆𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗙𝗶𝗯: Episodes come and go, lasting from minutes to hours, but usually stop on their own.
🔹 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗙𝗶𝗯: Episodes last longer than seven days and may require treatment to stop.
🔹 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗙𝗶𝗯: A constant state of AFib, where treatment strategies are focussed on managing rate and symptoms.

Based on these three types, there will be different treatment strategies that are appropriate - your EP will talk you through the available options for your stage.

🧔 June 10th to 16th is Men's Health Week and your heart matters to us - Inside and Out! 🧔

This week we want to shine a spotlight on the health and wellbeing of men and boys in our communities. This week is dedicated to not only physical health but also mental health and emotional wellbeing.

In Australia and around the world, men face unique health challenges. Men's Health Week aims to provoke thought and discussion about what we all can do to help improve male health.

Here’s some conversation starters for discussing Heart Health this week:

🔹 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵: Encouraging regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine check-ups. Staying active and eating healthy can prevent heart disease, one of the leading health issues among men.

🔹 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵: Remember emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact heart health. Practicing deep breathing and or mindfulness, seeking support, and maintaining social connections are key to emotional health.

🔹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: Encourage the males in your life to engage in community events and discussions during Men's Health Week. This can help men and boys realise they're not alone in their health journeys. Sharing experiences and solutions can lead to lasting improvements.

Join us in promoting and supporting men's health. Together, we can create healthier, happier communities.

It's Men's Health Week (June 10th to 16th) and this year's focus is Men's Health Check.

So, let's prioritize your heart health and get regular health checks to know your numbers for: blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Join us in the fight against heart disease and take charge of your health! 💪❤️

To learn more about Men's Health Week and to 'know your man facts', visit: https://www.amhf.org.au/mens_heart_health

This week is World Heart Rhythm Week!🫀🌏

The most common symptoms of an arrhythmia are:
Shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, light-headedness, fainting or feeling faint, a racing heart or palpitations and chest pain or discomfort.

🏥 Most arrhythmias are not life-threatening, but can still cause complications that are best managed with your healthcare team.

Learn more about the World Heart Rhythm Week initiatives: https://heartrhythmalliance.org/aa/au/get-involved/world-heart-rhythm-week

Patient-centred care means putting you at the heart of everything we do. It’s about listening to your concerns, understanding your needs, and working together to develop a personalised treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and health goals.

With our autumn evenings now get cooler, there's nothing better than a warm, heart-healthy meal. Try the Heart Foundation's Chicken and Mushroom Pot Pie with Steamed Greens and Baby Potatoes recipe.

With lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and healthy fats, this dish is perfect for a wholesome dinner that keeps your heart happy and warm this season.

👉 Click here for the recipe: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/recipes/chicken-mushroom-pot-pies

Did you know Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) contributes to over 60,000 hospital admissions per year in Australia. The AFib Institute team specialises in managing AFib, ensuring tailored care and reducing hospitalisations. Let's work together towards better heart health!

Atrial fibrillation is a major cause of stroke in Australia. People with atrial fibrillation are five times more likely to have a stroke than those without.

Learn more about Atrial Fibrillation here: https://afibinstitute.com.au/learn-about-afib/

Flu vaccinations are now available free for all Queenslanders over six months old! 💉

Protect yourself & your family before flu season peaks (usually May-October). The free flu vaccine program is available until 30 September 2024.

Talk to your GP to explore your suitability and eligibility for the flu vaccine. 💉

To learn more about Queensland's flu vaccination program visit: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/guidelines-procedures/diseases-infection/immunisation/service-providers/2024-free-flu-vaccination-program

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗲𝘁 𝗤𝗖𝗚'𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻, 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝘁?
Anita is committed to promoting cardiovascular wellness to patients, educating them on how to develop a positive relationship with food and healthy lifestyle choices. She provides QCG and AFib Institute patients with personalised support on how to manage their heart health.

To learn more about Anita or make an appointment visit:
https://qcg.com.au/introducing-qcgs-new-cardiovascular-dietetic-services/

Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR) refers to the coordinated electrical impulses originating from the Sinus Node, your heart's natural pacemaker. This ensures your heart beats consistently and efficiently. Maintaining a NSR is crucial for optimal heart health.

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) disrupts this orderly rhythm. Chaotic electrical signals take over the upper heart chambers (atria), overriding the Sinus Node. This results in an irregular heartbeat, potentially impacting heart function.

Anti-arhythmic medications and procedures for AFib aim to return your heart rhythm to NSR and maintain it for as long as possible.

When AFib isn't treated or managed effectively, it can raise your risk of complications like stroke, heart failure, blood clots, fatigue, and changes in your heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). Talk to your doctor about creating a personalised treatment plan to help prevent these complications.

Our team have a long history of leading advances in Atrial Fibrillation and Electrophysiology. We have been performing complex Atrial Fibrillation ablations for over 16 years.

To learn more visit our services page at: https://afibinstitute.com.au/atrial-fibrillation-treatment-services/

In some people with Atrial Fibrillation, particularly at later stages or for whom other strategies have been ineffective, sometimes a "Pace and Ablate" treatment is recommended.

This is where your cardiac electrophysiologist ablates the AV-node, which stops the electrical signal passing from the atria to the ventricles. A pacemaker is then connected to take over control of the heartbeat in the ventricles.

Our experienced cardiologists will assess your individual needs and discuss with you if they recommend a pacemaker as the most suitable course of treatment for your Afib. You can find out more about pacemakers here: https://afibinstitute.com.au/atrial-fibrillation-treatment-services/pacemakers/

Warm up with this hearty Indian Chicken & Lentil Tray Bake! Packed with protein & veggies, it's the perfect healthy comfort food!

For recipe details, visit: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/recipes/lentil-and-vegetable-soup-with-crusty-bread

Today, on Mother's Day, we celebrate the incredible strength and love of all the mums, stepmums, grandmas, aunties, godmothers and other important women in our lives!

This year, let's encourage all our mums and mother figures to prioritise their own well-being with a comprehensive heart health assessment - "a peace-of-mind" gift for all to share! Early detection and preventive care are crucial for maintaining a healthy heart – the foundation for a long, fulfilling life filled with cherished moments with loved ones.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia.

So, who needs a Heart Health Check?
All people aged 45–79 years
People with diabetes from 35 years
First Nations people from 30 years

A heart health check with your GP can help you understand your risk of having a heart attack or stroke and what you can do to prevent it.

Encourage your loved ones to book a heart health check. Together, let's promote awareness and empower each other to live longer, healthier lives.

For more information, visit Heart Foundation: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/heart-health-checks

It's Heart Week!
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, so this week is a great opportunity to start a conversation with your loved ones about heart health.

Do you know what your risk of having a heart attack or stroke is?
Do you need some help to develop some heart-healthy habits to reduce your risks?

Having a regular Heart Health Check with your GP will help you better understand your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
By starting a conversation about heart health, you can help your loved ones live longer, healthier lives.
Book an appointment this week with your GP for your Heart Health Check.

For more information and resources, visit Heart Foundation: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/heart-week

Since 1948, Aussies have been marking the introduction of 38-hour work weeks (a far cry from the 60 to 80-hour weeks they once endured). As we celebrate today, let's remember to make our hearts' work a little easier too. Take a stroll, whip up a heart-healthy meal, or simply relax. After all, a strong heart powers every step, every day! ❤️

Pulsed-Field Ablation (PFA) is one of the most exciting new advances in technology in the treatment of Atrial Fibrillation.

PFA uses short bursts of high-energy pulses to target and treat atrial fibrillation without causing heat damage, and without the risk of damage to deeper tissues inside or outside of the heart. What makes PFA stand out is its unique ability to specifically target the heart muscle with lower risk of damage to other tissues, and it's also a faster procedure – the ablation around the pulmonary vein takes just seconds, potentially reducing future procedure times to an hour or less! 🕒

This cutting-edge technology is a game-changer, offering a wide therapeutic range and an improved safety profile. The QCG's AFib Institute's cardiac electrophysiologists launched the first Pulsed Field Ablation procedures in a private hospital in Queensland in 2023 and have been using this exciting technology since, with the technology available in procedures at some of our private hospital locations 💓

A recent, large study in Denmark has provided valuable insights into the long-term risks associated with Atrial Fibrillation.

Some key findings were:
Two in five individuals with atrial fibrillation developed heart failure over their lifetime.
One in five experienced a stroke.

Therefore, the risk of developing heart failure is twice that of having a stroke, in people living with AFib.

It’s important that people with atrial fibrillation have ongoing monitoring of not only stroke risk, but also of cardiac function as these can change over time. If signs of heart failure are becoming apparent, there may be new or different treatment strategies that your Cardiac Electrophysiologist may recommend💓

Read more about this study here: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-04-heart-failure-common-complication-atrial.html

Our clinic is closed today, ANZAC Day, April 25th, as we honour the brave men and women, including those of our patients and followers, who served and sacrificed for our freedom.

Together, we pause to reflect on the courage, resilience, and camaraderie exemplified by the ANZACs. Their legacy inspires us to uphold the values of unity, compassion, and service every day. We pay tribute to their courage and commitment, and we express our deepest gratitude for their sacrifices.

Please note that our clinic will reopen on Friday 26th April.

Lest we forget 🌹

"Our focus is on our patients first – we are a private specialist practice serving patients with Atrial Fibrillation. In addition, our team contribute to ongoing education for our referrers and community, and participate in research and advocacy for patients with Atrial Fibrillation."

To learn more about the AFib Institute, visit: https://afibinstitute.com.au/about-us/

In some people, Atrial Fibrillation can be influenced by stimulation of the Vagus nerve. The Vagus Nerve is a Cranial Nerve (CN X) which runs from the brain down into various organs in the chest and abdomen. It is important in controlling the many automatic life functions, including the heart rate, diaphragm for breathing, and digestion

In some people, stimulating the Vagus nerve in these organise can sometimes trigger an AFib episode. For example, this might be through:
drinking cold water
eating a very large meal
diving into a cold pool
indigestion
vomiting
after exercise
sleeping or resting
alcohol consumption

For others, stimulating the Vagus nerve might sometimes help resolve an AFib episode, such as:
drinking cold water
splashing your face with cold water
exercise
deep, controlled abdominal breathing

Cardiac Ablation is a medical procedure primarily used to treat heart rhythm problems, particularly those related to abnormal electrical signals within the heart. It's often performed to manage atrial fibrillation (AFib), and is also a procedure used for atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and certain types of ventricular tachycardia (VT).

To learn more, read our new article here: https://afibinstitute.com.au/what-is-a-cardiac-ablation-procedure-for/

Our patients may not all be rock stars, but - like Gene Simmons (famous KISS band member) - they have Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB). He is currently in the news regarding the band's alleged development of a Virtual Concert; but in 2006 he was in the news because of a "heart scare". When The Doctors TV show aired an interview in 2016, Gene Simmons described his first AFib episode experience saying, “I’d never heard of the term AFib, …. the stage temperature goes up a hundred [°F] with the stage lights, and my heart was going baBOOM baBOOM … and I started to get dizzy and perspire, and short of breath. So, I called the doctor and he said ‘okay, here’s what’s going on, there’s something called AFib…’.”

When asked about the impact his (ongoing) rock’n’roll lifestyle has on his heart and health, the 74 year-old was keen to ‘set the record straight’ explaining he’d never been high, or drunk, and never smoked. He stated that, while he is still prone to AFib episodes, he ensures he has enough rest and drinks lots of liquids. Then when asked, in conclusion, what advice he would give people with AFib, he said “you gotta lead a healthy lifestyle. Find out what’s going on on the inside. You may not see it on the outside but you’ll feel it.”

If you need help with lifestyle or dietary modifications to better manage your AFIB, book an appointment with QCG's dietitian, Anita Tait, or talk to your GP.

It’s Dietitians’ Week and the theme this year is Nourishing MindBodyBrain 🌱💓

What we eat can significantly affect our mental, brain and physical health – including our heart health. At QCG’s AFib Institute, we recognise the vital importance of dietetics, and recognise the pivotal role our Accredited Practising Dietitian, Anita Tait, plays in empowering our patients. With heart disease being a leading cause of mortality globally, Anita’s expertise is invaluable in providing our patients with dietary guidance tailored to support them with making heart-healthy food choices, ultimately reducing their risk of heart disease and improving their overall wellbeing.
This Dietitians’ Week, let’s celebrate the unwavering dedication of Accredited Practising Dietitians to nourishing mind, body and brain health.

If you'd like to learn more about QCG's Dietitian, Anita, or make an appointment to see her, visit: https://qcg.com.au/introducing-qcgs-new-cardiovascular-dietetic-services/

Meet Dr Michael Adsett, a Director at the Queensland Cardiovascular Group and AFib Institute cardiologist who specialises in cardiac electrophysiology.

His clinical interests include cardiac electrophysiology, radiofrequency ablation, pacemaker implantation, including biventricular pacemaker implantation, automatic implantable defibrillators and he is an expert in general arrhythmia management.

Read more about Dr Adsett's experience here: https://afibinstitute.com.au/about-us/our-doctors/dr-michael-adsett/