EAST LANSING, Mich.– Dozens of area seniors and caregivers kicked off American Heart Month Wednesday with a vital education session on atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm disorder.

The free event, part of the University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Senior Health Series presented by Burcham Hills, was held at the Michigan Athletic Club and featured UM Health-Sparrow electrophysiologist Ali Sheikh, D.O.

“Knowledge is the first line of defense in heart health,” Sheikh said. “Understanding AFib empowers seniors and their families to have informed conversations with their doctors, which can lead to better outcomes. It’s about taking control.”

The session, “Let’s Talk about AFib,” equipped attendees with knowledge to recognize symptoms, understand risks and explore treatment options. Key symptoms of AFib include fluttering, rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue and chest pain. The event underscored the importance of the topic for older adults, as atrial fibrillation is a leading cause of stroke, and its risk increases significantly with age. The condition also increases the risk of heart failure and other heart-related complications.

Attendees participated in a lively question-and-answer session following the presentation, engaging directly with Sheikh on topics ranging from medication to lifestyle modifications. The event also included a healthy meal.

The Senior Health Series addresses prevalent health concerns through free, bi-monthly community education presentations for adults 55+ and their caregivers. The series aims to positively influence health behaviors by connecting the community with experts from UM Health-Sparrow.

To learn more about the next Senior Health Series event, go to UofMHealthsparrow.org/um-health-sparrow-community-health/senior-health-series.