My Heart's Journey: Living with AFib and A-flutter
- maryrburrell
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
How Heart Valve Disease Taught Me to Listen to My Body's Other Rhythms
Hey everyone, you know I'm a big advocate for heart valve disease. It's a cause that's incredibly close to my heart. But my journey with heart health is about more than just that. My experience has taught me just how connected all our heart conditions can be, which is why I want to talk about another part of my story today: living with both AFib and A-flutter.
It hasn't been easy. My heartbeat can feel fast, fluttery, or all over the place, and honestly, it can be scary.
But a long time ago, my doctor told me something that has always stuck with me: "AFib by itself won’t kill you." That reminder helps me a lot. It means that even with this condition, I can still live my life, do what I love, and help others. I choose to push forward with the mindset that my diagnosis won't stop me from living, loving, and advocating.
What are AFib and A-flutter?
They're both heart conditions, but they're a little different.
AFib is like a messy, jumbled heartbeat. It's fast and out of rhythm.
A-flutter is also fast, but it has a more steady beat.
Why is this important? Because these two heart problems can be connected to heart valve disease. That's why it's so important to pay attention to your body and talk to your doctor about everything you feel.
So, here's my message to you: If your heart ever feels weird like it's skipping, fluttering, or racing don't ignore it. Tell a trusted adult or a doctor. Knowing what's going on early can change everything for you.
I hope my story helps. This month, let’s all take a moment to be kind to our hearts and to the hearts of others. Listening to your heart is a superpower—let’s all use it.