ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial Fibrillation is an arrhythmia that originates in the left upper chamber of the heart creating a chaotic irregular electrical signal that interferes and overrides the natural pacemaker of the heart.  A similar condition, atrial flutter, occurs in the right upper chamber of the heart and often coincides with atrial fibrillation. Possible triggers include:​

Other Heart Conditions

• Angina

• Arrhythmia

• Atrial Fibrillation

• Cardiac Arrest

• Cardiogenic Shock

• Cardiomyopathy

• Chronic Total Occlusion

• Congenital Heart Disease

• Coronary Artery Disease

• Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath)

• Endocarditis

• Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

• Heart Failure

• High Cholesterol

• Hypertension

• Heart Murmur

• Palpitations

• Pericarditis

• Pulmonary Hypertension

• Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

• Syncope (Fainting)

• Valvular Heart Disease

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

• Congenital Heart Defects

• Heart Attack

• Hypertension 

• Infections                                

• Lung Diseases

• Post-Surgery                           

• Sick Sinus Syndrome   

• Sleep Apnea

• Stimulants (Tobacco, Caffeine, Medications, Alcohol)    

• Thyroid Disease 

• Valvular Heart Disease

Atrial Fibrillation disrupts the normal rhythm of the heart and may manifest as shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, fainting, or no symptoms at all.

How is AFIB Diagnosed?

Diagnosis includes a combination of pulse check, listening to heart sounds with the following tests:​

• Echocardiogram

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)

• Event Monitor

• Holter Monitor

• Stress Testing

• Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

What is the Treatment for AFIB?

The treatment goals for AFib include rate control, resetting the rhythm, and preventing clots that may travel to the brain and lead to a stroke.  Strategies used to achieve these goals include:​

• Anti-arrhythmic Medications

• Ablation

• Blood Thinners

• Electrical Cardioversion

• Medications used to control the heart rate

• Watchman Device