Atrial Fibrillation

At Upperhill CardioVascular Center, your heart health is our top priority, especially if it’s not beating the way it should.Our expert team is committed to providing innovative, personalized vascular and cardiovascular care for the full spectrum of heart and venous-related conditions, including atrial fibrillation.

We recognize that an irregular heartbeat can be an instant cause for concern. Still, our experienced team offers state-of-the-art diagnoses and innovative procedures to care for your heart and provide the best outcomes possible for the complete betterment of your overall health.

If you or a loved one is experiencing atrial fibrillation symptoms, we are here to help.

Let’s discuss atrial fibrillation in greater detail, including what it is, its symptoms, and the treatment options available to you. 

Atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) is a common type of arrhythmia, characterized by irregular and often rapid heartbeats originating from the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. This disorder disrupts the normal rhythm of the heart, leading to an erratic and fast heartbeat that can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently.

Causes and Risk Factors:

• • Heart Conditions: AFib is often associated with underlying heart conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, and heart failure.
  • Other Conditions: Thyroid disorders, chronic lung disease, and certain infections can also trigger AFib.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and smoking are linked to an increased risk of developing AFib.
  • Genetics: A family history of AFib can also increase the risk.

Symptoms:

• • Common symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest discomfort.
  • Some individuals may experience no symptoms and only discover AFib during a routine check-up or when it leads to complications.

Comprehensive treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) involves a multi-faceted approach to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and address underlying causes. It starts with diagnostic evaluations like ECGs and echocardiograms to assess heart rhythm and structure. Management includes anticoagulant therapy to reduce stroke risk, using medications such as direct oral anticoagulants or warfarin, and rate control through beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or digoxin. Rhythm control may involve antiarrhythmic drugs or electrical cardioversion to restore normal heart rhythm. For persistent cases, catheter ablation is often performed to target abnormal electrical pathways. Lifestyle modifications, including a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management, are also crucial. Ongoing monitoring with a cardiologist, patient education, and adjustment of treatment based on symptom control and risk factors are essential for effective long-term management of AF.