All about Lionel Richies heart condition and the surgery that led him to cancel concerts

For the third time since June, Lionel Richie is back in the hospital.Representatives for the “All Night Long” singer said he successfully underwent a “common procedure for atrial fibrillation (AFib).” This is a potentially dangerous irregular heartbeat that can raise risk of blood clots and stroke.As a result, the star canceled upcoming performances with Earth, Wind & Fire in San Francisco, Chicago, and Columbus, Ohio.Richie “is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon,” his reps said.His upcoming Las Vegas residency at the Encore Theater is expected to start October 14.Many people with AFib manage the condition with medication, namely blood thinners, Dr.

Srinivas Prasad, an interventional cardiologist at Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital told The Post.The procedure Richie reportedly had done, an ablation, is a common procedure for those who need more than meds.Here’s what to know.An irregular heartbeat or rhythm falls under the umbrella term “arrhythmia.” AFib is a specific type of arrhythmia and the most common.At least 10.5 million Americans have AFib, which can be diagnosed with a standard EKG.AFib happens when the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat out of sync with the lower chambers because of faulty electrical signals.

This can prevent them from fully contracting and emptying the blood within, causing blood to pool and potentially form clots.Symptoms include a fast or pounding heartbeat (palpitations), shortness of breath and lightheadedness.While not usually life-threatening, AFib can weaken the heart over time and does require treatment.“Atrial fibrillation can be quite serious and even deadly as it predisposes a person to having a stroke, which is one of the leading causes of death and disability in our country,” Prasad said.

Age is one of the biggest risk factors for AFib, especially after age 65.Richie is 77.Other risk factors include family history and genetics, alcohol, smoking, drugs like ...