Don't Miss a Beat: September is AFIB Awareness Month

You know how your heart skips a beat when you see your crush? That’s cute. But when your heart skips a beat because of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)? That’s a whole different story and one that deserves your full attention this September.

September is AFib Awareness Month, and here at ACLS Academy, we’re using this moment to drop the stethoscope and pick up the mic to raise awareness, bust myths, and empower YOU to take action, whether you're a healthcare provider or someone looking to protect your own heart.

AFib 101: It’s Not Just “A Fast Heartbeat”

AFib (short for Atrial Fibrillation) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, a condition where the heart beats irregularly, often rapidly, and out of sync with the rest of the body. This isn't just a fluttery feeling in the chest. AFib can lead to:

• Stroke (5x increased risk!)

• Heart failure

• Blood clots

• Decreased quality of life and exercise tolerance

According to the CDC, over 12 million people in the U.S. are projected to have AFib by 2030. The numbers are climbing, and yet many people don’t even know they have it.

Wait…What Does AFib Feel Like?

Great question. Some people with AFib feel nothing at all, while others experience:

•  Fluttering or Quivering: A common description is a sensation of the heart "fluttering like a bird's wings" or quivering rapidly in the chest.

• Pounding or Racing Heart: You might experience a sudden onset of a very fast or hard heartbeat, often referred to as palpitations.

• Skipped Beats: Some individuals notice their heart feeling like it's skipping beats or adding extra ones.

• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: The irregular pumping can reduce blood flow to the brain, leading to feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness.

• Shortness of Breath: Even with minimal exertion, you might find yourself gasping for air or feeling winded.

• Fatigue and Weakness: A persistent feeling of tiredness or general weakness can be a daily companion for those with AFIB.

• Chest Discomfort: While not always sharp pain, some may experience discomfort or pressure in the chest.

 If untreated, AFib doesn’t just slow you down; it can stop you in your tracks with a sudden stroke or cardiac event. That’s why early detection and management are key.

The Origins of AFIB Awareness Month

September is recognized as Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB) Awareness Month, a designation that began with grassroots efforts to educate the public about this common but often misunderstood heart rhythm disorder. The idea of a dedicated month grew from the increasing recognition among medical professionals and patient advocacy groups that AFIB was a major public health issue, significantly increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications. The movement gained momentum with the support of organizations like the Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA) and the StopAFIB.org foundation, which were founded to provide resources, support, and education to patients and caregivers. Their efforts, combined with those of cardiologists and patient advocates, led to the official recognition of September as AFIB Awareness Month, with the U.S. Senate passing a resolution in 2009 to formally designate the month. This provides a focused time each year to spread knowledge about symptoms, risks, and treatment options for a condition affecting millions worldwide.

The Surprising Faces of AFib

Think AFib is only for “old folks”? Think again. While risk does increase with age, AFib can affect:

• Young athletes (yes, endurance sports can strain the heart)

• People with sleep apnea

• Patients with thyroid dysfunction

• Those with high stress lifestyles (we’re looking at you, shift workers!)

• Individuals with a family history of AFib, as genetic factors can play a significant role, particularly in those diagnosed at a younger age.

• People with other health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, which are major risk factors that strain the heart over time.

• Heavy alcohol consumers, especially those who engage in binge drinking, which can directly affect the heart's electrical signals.

• Individuals with underlying heart conditions, including congenital heart defects, heart valve disease, or a history of heart attack.

This is why every clinician, nurse, paramedic, and educator must understand AFib. Not just recognize it, but manage it effectively and teach others how to do the same.

ACLS Academy Has Your Back (and Your Atria)

AFib shows up in almost every ACLS scenario at some point, whether you’re treating rapid irregular rhythms or preparing for synchronized cardioversion. With ACLS Academy, you’ll master:

• Identifying AFib on ECG (irregularly irregular, no P-waves, rapid ventricular response? Check!)

• Deciding when rate vs. rhythm control is appropriate

• Using medications like beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or anticoagulants

• Knowing when to call in the paddles (aka cardioversion time)

 Our ACLS certification and Recertification courses go beyond textbook content. You’ll get real-world case scenarios, instructor-led feedback, and skills that translate directly to better patient outcomes.

 Quick Quiz: Are You AFib-Aware?

Let’s test your rhythm smarts:

1. What’s the hallmark ECG feature of AFib?
 A) Sawtooth P waves
 B) Wide QRS complexes
 C) No distinct P waves and irregular R-R intervals
 Answer: C!

 2. What’s the #1 risk associated with AFib?
 A) Bradycardia
 B) Stroke
 C) Hypertension
 Answer: B!

 3. Which med is commonly used to reduce stroke risk in AFib?
 A) Epinephrine
 B) Amiodarone
 C) Apixaban
 Answer: C! (It’s a DOAC, and it’s saving lives daily.)

 Nailed it? Then you’re ready to teach others—come join us.

 Take Action This September

Whether you're on the front lines or just looking to stay sharp, here’s how you can get involved during AFib Awareness Month:

• Enroll in an ACLS or ACLS EP course (or recertify if it’s been a while)

• Join our AHA Instructor program and spread evidence-based knowledge.

• Share this blog with colleagues or friends—it could save a life

• Encourage patients and peers to get screened if they have risk factors

 AFib can be managed. Strokes can be prevented. Lives can be saved. But only if we know what to look for—and what to do when we see it.

Final Word From ACLS Academy

Every beat matters, and so does your role in protecting them. At ACLS Academy, we’re more than just a training center. We’re a community of clinicians, educators, and life-savers committed to advancing care and reducing preventable harm.

Let’s make September count.

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ACLS Academy is an authorized American Heart Association (AHA) Aligned Training Center, and most of our classes include an online training component. We provide high-quality courses taught by instructors practicing in the medical profession for ACLS, BLS, TNCC, ENPC, NRP, PALS, PALS Plus, PEARS, ACLS-EP, ASLS, Bloodborne Pathogen, HeartSaver CPR/AED, First Aid, and Instructor Courses. Browse our course catalog.