Francis Ford Coppola recovering after heart procedure at Rome hospital

Francis Ford Coppola, director of “The Godfather”, was hospitalized in Italy last week for non -urgent heart procedure.

The 86 -year -old filmmaker sought to update a “30 -year -old AFIB procedure”, according to an article on his Instagram page.

AFIB, or atrial fibrillation (AFIB), is an “irregular and often rapid heart rate” which can increase the risk of blood clots, heart failure, stroke and other complications linked to the heart, according to the American Heart Association.

Healthy deaths have dropped in the United States, but new cardiovascular threats are emerging

After Italian media sources reported the visit to the director’s hospital, a Coppola representative called him “planned update procedure” and said he was “resting well”.

“Everything is fine”, according to its representatives.

Francis Ford Coppola, director of “The Godfather”, was hospitalized in Italy last week for non -urgent heart procedure. (Photo of Scott a Garfitt / Inviting / AP)

“Da Dada (what my children call me) is good,” said the director on his social networks, speaking for what seems to be the first time about his state.

He continued: “By seizing the opportunity in Rome to update my 30 -year -old AFIB procedure with his inventor, a large Italian doctor – Dr. Andrea’s native! I’m fine!”

Your heart can be older than you think – and the number could predict the risk of illness

Dr. Bradley Serwer, interventional cardiologist and chief doctor of Vitalsolution, an Ingnovis health company, spoke with Fox News Digital of the condition.

“AFIB is generally not immediately fatal, but this can lead to complications or problems in the future,” said the cardiologist, who has not treated Coppola.

The 86 -year -old filmmaker sought to update a “30 -year -old AFIB procedure”, according to an article on his Instagram page. (Getty Images)

With AFIB, normal electrical activity in the heart changes in chaotic electrical signals, according to the cardiologist based in Maryland. It makes your heart beat quickly and get out of the rhythm.

Instead of contracting normally, the upper bedrooms of the heart – called headsets – begin to tremble, causing the formation of blood clots.

“When these clots are released, they can go to the brain, causing a stroke,” said Serwer.

“ I am a cardiologist – Here is how summer heat could damage your heart ”

For many people, AFIB may not have symptoms, but for some, it can cause a rapid or swinging heart rate, shortness of breath or dizzy.

“AFIB can be difficult because of its various manifestations,” noted Serwer.

There are several procedural approaches to treat atrial fibrillation, according to the cardiologist.

There are several treatment options for AFIB, which is not always fatal. (istock)

The most common procedure is called ablation, that is to say when a specialized cardiologist uses catheters to follow the electrical activity of the heart. The doctor then burns the sites where the AFIB begins.

“This procedure has a high success rate and the complications are low, which makes it a much appreciated option,” said Serwer.

Click here to obtain the Fox News app

If a patient undergoes open heart surgery for a coronary disease or a valve heart disease, a surgeon can perform a “labyrinth procedure”, which creates a “head of scar tissue” in the higher hearts of the heart to block irregular electrical signals, according to Mayo Clinic.

Click here to register for our Health Newsletter

There are also procedures to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with AFIB, but which may not be able to take anticoagulants.

By placing a small device where blood clots are formed, the rate of stroke decreases considerably, said Serwer.

AFIB can cause a quick and swinging heart rate, shortness of breath or dizziness. (istock)

In some cases of atrial fibrillation, the condition can come and go, but other patients may experience a persistent Afib, said the cardiologist.

For more health items, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Although it is generally not deadly, Afib is always considered a serious medical condition which requires appropriate treatment.

Serwer advised: “If you feel dizziness or sudden palpitations that persist, it is imperative to request an immediate assessment of a health professional.”