What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an arrhythmia that causes an abnormal heartbeat in your heart’s upper chambers (atria). When you have this condition, blood can’t flow as efficiently as it should from the atria to your heart’s lower chambers (ventricles).

Many things can increase your risk of developing AFib. One of the most common, preventable factors is high blood pressure (hypertension).

Other risk factors for atrial fibrillation include:

• Aging
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Heart failure
• Thyroid disease
• Chronic kidney disease

If you drink heavily, you can also be at risk of developing atrial fibrillation.

Without treatment, atrial fibrillation increases the likelihood that you’ll have a stroke. A stroke happens when a blood clot or other blockage cuts off blood flow to an area of your brain.

When should I seek treatment for atrial fibrillation?

Call the Arizona Heart Rhythm Center to schedule a diagnostic evaluation if you have symptoms of atrial fibrillation. These include:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent fatigue
• Chest discomfort or pain

The providers also recommend that you get an evaluation if you have risk factors for atrial fibrillation. They offer physical exams and can order diagnostic tests like electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram (echo), or stress testing to assess your heart’s activity.

Based on your test results, the providers create a customized treatment plan to restore your cardiovascular health.

How is atrial fibrillation treated?

Your specific treatment plan for atrial fibrillation will depend on how long you’ve had atrial fibrillation symptoms and the root cause of your condition.

The Arizona Heart Rhythm Center offers several treatments to reset your heart’s rhythm and prevent potentially life-threatening blood clots. These treatments include:

Medication

Medication can control how fast your heart beats and can lower your risk of blood clots that interfere with healthy blood flow.

Cardioversion therapy

Cardioversion therapy delivers electrical shocks to your heart through paddles or electrodes attached to your skin to reset your heart’s rhythm.

Cardiac ablation

Cardiac ablation uses heat or cold energy to scar parts of your heart tissue. The scars block electrical signals from your heart to restore a normal heartbeat.

Even with treatment, atrial fibrillation can return. The team monitors your progress and can recommend lifestyle and diet changes to support your long-term heart health.

Call the Arizona Heart Rhythm Center near you today or go online to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for atrial fibrillation.