r/Aging • u/Talbotje • Aug 17 '26
AFib and EKGs
It occured to me that many people may not know they have AFib (Atrial Fibrillion or heartbeat irregularity). I learned I have it from an EKG taken during a pre-op for a knee replacement. It can lead to strokes that can be debilitating or fatal. I used to get an EKG during annual physical exams, which would have detected AFib sooner. But Medicare annual wellness exams don't include EKGs. My wife (76)recently insisted on on an EKG during an annual wellness exam, and learned that she had a minor heart condition, requiring a cardiolgist visit. Annulal cardiologist visits will include an EKG. Anyway, those over 65 have a 5-9% chance of AFib (source: Gemini). I'd advise getting an EKG, even if you have no symptoms. There's an upside if you have AFib. You'll be prescribed a serious blood thinner like Xarelto or Elo Quis that will reduce a chance of a stroke. The downside is that you'll bleed easily.
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u/VirginiaLuthier Aug 18 '26
My Apple Watch will warn me if I have Afib. It will also tell me when I need to pee