Heart rhythm condition
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
A disease of the heart characterized by an irregular and often faster heartbeat. Our cardiologists help you understand your rhythm and choose the right treatment.
Common
More than 200,000 cases per year in the US
Diagnosis
Often requires a lab test or imaging
Treatable
Treatable by a medical professional
Duration
Can last several years or be lifelong
Normal impulses vs. AFib: in AFib, chaotic signals in the atria replace the steady beat that starts at the sinus node.
Understanding AFib
When the upper and lower chambers fall out of step
This condition develops when the upper two chambers of the heart (atria) do not work in coordination with the lower two chambers (ventricles). Mainly noted symptoms include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and weakness.
- Atria: upper chambers
- Ventricles: lower chambers
- Result: irregular, fast beat
Symptoms
Symptoms of AFib to watch for
Most people with atrial fibrillation show no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can include the following. If you notice them, tell your doctor.
Heart palpitations
A feeling of the heart racing or beating irregularly
Shortness of breath
Feeling winded with little effort
Weakness
Less strength than usual
Tiredness
Ongoing fatigue through the day
Less activity
Reduced ability to be physically active
Lightheadedness
Lightheadedness and dizziness
Confusion
Trouble thinking clearly
Chest pain
Pain or pressure in the chest
Treatment
How AFib is treated
Treatment aims to reset the heart’s rhythm to normal. Procedures destroy small areas of heart tissue to prevent abnormal electrical signals, and medications help control the heart rate.
Anti-arrhythmic drugs
Given orally or intravenously to restore the normal function of the sinus node, the heart’s natural pacemaker.
Examples: Quinidine, Dofetilide, Propafenone.
Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
Taken to prevent blood clots and lower the risk of stroke, which is higher when the atria do not beat in a coordinated way.
Example: Warfarin.
Procedures that reset the rhythm
Procedures are instrumental in destroying small areas of heart tissue that send abnormal electrical signals. Options include electrical cardioversion, AV node ablation and the Maze procedure.
Your cardiologist will recommend the right mix of medicine and procedures based on your symptoms and test results.
Irregular heartbeat? Let’s find out why.
Our cardiologists can check your heart rhythm, explain what it means and build a treatment plan around you.