Atrial Fibrillation

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular heartbeat. When checking the pulse of someone with this condition, you will notice the beats are inconsistent.

Why Am I Prescribed Blood Thinning Medication?

Due to the irregular heartbeat associated with atrial fibrillation, blood can accumulate in one of the heart’s chambers, known as the atrium. This pooling can lead to the formation of clots. Blood thinning medications are prescribed to prevent clot formation and reduce the risk of stroke.

Interesting Facts About Atrial Fibrillation

Obesity can cause both structural and electrical changes in the atrium, contributing to the development and progression of atrial fibrillation. Notably, weight loss may lead to a reversal of atrial fibrillation symptoms and decrease what is referred to as the symptom burden. This means that even if atrial fibrillation persists after weight loss, individuals often report feeling less fatigued and breathless.

The LEGACY trial, completed in Australia in 2015, found that a weight loss of 10% or more was linked to long-term relief from atrial fibrillation. This outcome was achieved through a combination of dietary changes and increased physical activity. The trial also indicated that fluctuations in weight exceeding 5% were associated with a higher likelihood of recurrent atrial fibrillation.

Heart 2 Heart Program

At Heart 2 Heart, we offer tailored programs to assist in managing atrial fibrillation. Our classes are scheduled as follows:
– Mondays at 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM, and 5:30 PM at Mount Merrion Community Centre
– 10:30 AM at UCD Sport
– Wednesdays at 2:00 PM at Killashee Leisure Centre and 7:00 PM at Kilcullen Business Campus

Assessments are available at most facilities.

Contact Information

Karen Cradock, Specialist Cardiac Physiotherapist
B.Physio, MSc, Heart 2 Heart Cardiac Physiotherapy
Unit 5, Kilcullen Business Campus, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare
Website: www.h2hcardiacphysio.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 045484000, 0877667465

Call Back Request

If you would like us to contact you, please fill out the request form:

– First Name*
– Surname*
– Phone*
– Email*

Our office hours are Monday to Thursday from 9 AM to 3 PM and Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM. Please note that we will be closed from Tuesday, December 23rd at 11 AM and will reopen on Monday, January 5th, 2026 at 9 AM.

Please indicate the best time for us to call:
Query*
Name*(This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.)