February is American Heart Month, a perfect time to focus on heart health and take advantage of the preventive care available to employees enrolled in a Transocean medical plan. Under the Transocean medical plan, annual wellness exams and preventive screenings are covered at no cost when you use in-network providers. Your annual wellness exams can help uncover silent risk factors that impact heart health, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, and help you plan interventions such as lifestyle changes or medication to prevent serious heart events.

Such screenings may also uncover a heart condition called atrial fibrillation, or AFib. If your healthcare provider hears an irregular heartbeat, for example, they may order additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram, or EKG. Or, if you notice an irregularity on a wearable health device, you should let your provider know so they can determine if additional testing is necessary.

What Is AFib?

AFib is a type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). This can reduce how efficiently the heart pumps blood and may allow blood to pool, increasing the risk of clots. Some common risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Genetic heart condition
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sleep apnea
• Excessive alcohol use
• Thyroid disorders

AFib also becomes more common as people get older, but it can occur at any age, even in otherwise healthy individuals.

Symptoms to Watch For

Not all people feel AFib symptoms. Possible signs include:

• A racing, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue or weakness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest discomfort

Because AFib can be “silent,” regular checkups are especially important. Left untreated, AFib can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications. The good news is that with proper management – such as lifestyle changes, medications, procedures, or a combination – many people with AFib live full, active lives.

A Note on Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

You may hear about heart rate variability (HRV) through fitness trackers or wellness apps. HRV measures the small variations in time between heartbeats. A healthy amount of variability is normal and reflects the body’s ability to adapt to stress and recover. Lower or changing HRV does not automatically signal a problem, and wearable data should not replace a medical evaluation. Regular exams remain essential for identifying true heart rhythm conditions like AFib.

Take Action This American Heart Month

Use February as a reminder to schedule your annual wellness exam, review your numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar), and talk with your provider about any symptoms or concerns. Small steps today can make a big difference in protecting your heart for years to come.