Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is the most common heart rhythm disorder where the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat irregularly and out of sync with the lower chambers. This abnormal rhythm can affect ventricle contractions and blood flow pumped throughout the body. When blood does not move smoothly between the chambers of the heart, it can increase the risk of blood clots that can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.

AFib is classified by how long the irregular rhythm lasts:

• Paroxysmal AFib – Episodes start and stop on their own, usually lasting less than 7 days.
• Persistent AFib –The Afib lasts more than 7 days and may need treatment to restore normal rhythm.
• Long-standing Persistent AFib – Continuous AFib for more than 12 months.
• Permanent AFib – Ongoing AFib that does not respond to treatment or when both the patient and provider decide not to pursue further rhythm control.

AFib can result from many heart-related or systemic conditions:

• Male sex
• High Blood Pressure
• Coronary Artery Disease or Heart Failure
• Sleep Apnea
• Thyroid Disorders
• Excessive Alcohol or Caffeine Use
• Family History
• Age (Risk increases after 60)

AFib is more likely to happen after surgery, during an infection, at times of stress, or after alcohol intake. Certain people may be more prone to getting attacks than others.

Some people with AFib may not notice any symptoms. For others, AFib may feel like:

• A racing or irregular heartbeat
• Heart palpitations (fluttering or pounding feeling in the chest)
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest discomfort

AFib symptoms can come and go or be constant. Seek care if symptoms persist or worsen.

Diagnosing AFib typically involves:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG) – Quick test to measure heart rhythm.
• Holter Monitor – A portable device that is worn for 24–48 hours to track heart activity.
• Echocardiogram – An ultrasound that looks at the heart’s structure and function.
• Implantable loop recorder - A small device placed right under the skin during a quick procedure to continuously monitor the heart’s rhythm for weeks to months, which can help catch rare or infrequent episodes.
• Blood Tests – Identify underlying causes like thyroid levels and other health problems.

If AFib is suspected, early diagnosis helps prevent serious complications.

Our team of cardiologists and electrophysiologists create a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms, overall health, and risk of stroke. Treatments may include:

• Lifestyle Changes – It’s important to avoid common triggers by cutting back on alcohol and caffeine, and to stay on top of conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea, which can make AFib worse.
• Medications –
  • Anticoagulants: blood thinners may be used to reduce risk of clots and strokes.
  • Rate control medications: Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, or digoxin may be used to regulate heartbeat.
  • Rhythm control medications (antiarrhythmic): drugs like amiodarone or sotalol can restore and maintain a normal heart rhythm
• Electrical Cardioversion – Controlled electrical shock to reset heart rhythm.
• Catheter Ablation – A minimally invasive procedure that targets and destroys the heart tissue that is causing the irregular rhythm.
• Pacemaker – A pacemaker may be placed in patients with a very slow heart rate or when medication causes a slow heart beat (bradycardia).
• Surgery – If medications and minimally invasive procedures like catheter ablation have not worked, or you are undergoing heart surgery for another reason, your doctor may recommend a surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (surgical ablation, Maze procedure, left atrial appendage closure).

If left untreated, AFib can lead to:

• Stroke – Irregular heartbeats can cause blood to pool and form clots, which may travel to the brain.
• Heart Failure – After prolonged irregular heartbeats, the heart may become too weak or stiff to pump blood effectively.
• Chronic fatigue – Ongoing irregular rhythms can make it harder for your body to get enough oxygen-rich blood.
• Cognitive Decline – Reduced blood flow and small, unnoticed strokes may affect memory, thinking, and concentration.

Reducing your risk of AFib includes:

• Managing blood pressure and thyroid problems
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Limiting alcohol and caffeine
• Treating sleep apnea
• Staying physically active