A doctor inserts a flexible tube called a catheter through a blood vessel, usually in your groin, and into your heart. The scars disrupt irregular heart signals and restore a typical heartbeat. Sometimes ablation is the first treatment.Ĭardiac ablation uses heat or cold energy to create tiny scars in the heart. If AFib doesn't get better with medicine or other treatments, a procedure called cardiac ablation may be necessary. Once the AV node is destroyed, a device called a pacemaker is needed for life to maintain the heart rhythm. The procedure blocks the heart's electrical signals. Heat energy, called radiofrequency energy, is usually used to destroy the signaling connection between the upper and lower heart chambers. Surgery or catheter proceduresĪtrioventricular (AV) node ablation is a treatment for irregular heartbeats. The medicine reduces the risk of blood clots and strokes.Īfter electrical cardioversion, medicines to control the heart rhythm may be needed for life to prevent future episodes of atrial fibrillation. If it's scheduled, a blood thinner such as warfarin (Jantoven) may need to be taken for a few weeks before the procedure. However, it may be done in emergency situations. Medicines given through an IV or by mouth are used to reset the heart rhythm.Ĭardioversion is usually done in a hospital as a scheduled procedure. This method to reset the heart rhythm is done by sending electric shocks to the heart through paddles or patches placed on the chest. If atrial fibrillation symptoms are bothersome or if this is the first AFib episode, a doctor may try to reset the heart rhythm using a procedure called cardioversion. If you take warfarin, you'll need to have regular blood tests to monitor the medicine's effects. Blood thinners include warfarin (Jantoven), apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), edoxaban (Savaysa) and rivaroxaban (Xarelto). Also called anticoagulants, these medicines help prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke. They tend to have more side effects than other medicines to control the heart rate. Also called anti-arrhythmics, this type of medicine is used sparingly. Medicines to control the heart rate and rhythm.Most people need additional or alternative medicines, such as calcium channel blockers or beta blockers. This medicine may control the heart rate at rest, but not as well during activity. These medicines control the heart rate but may need to be avoided by those who have heart failure or low blood pressure. These medicines help slow the heart rate. Prevent blood clots, a dangerous complication of AFib.Treatment for atrial fibrillation may include medicines to do the following: If AFib isn't well controlled, it may lead to other complications, including stroke and heart failure. It's important to follow your atrial fibrillation treatment plan. Together, you and your health care team discuss the best treatment option for you. Therapy to reset the heart rhythm, called cardioversion.The goals of atrial fibrillation treatment are to reset and control the heartbeat and prevent blood clots.Ītrial fibrillation treatment may involve: A chest X-ray shows the condition of the lungs and heart. Sometimes echocardiogram is done during a stress test. If you can't exercise, you may be given medicine that increases the heart rate like exercise does. The tests show how the heart reacts to exercise. These tests often involve walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike while the heart is monitored. This test can show how blood flows through the heart and heart valves. Sound waves are used to create images of the beating heart. For example, you may need one if you've had an unexplained stroke. Sometimes it's used to find rare episodes of AFib in those at high risk of the heart problem. It may be used to see how often you have an AFib episode. The device shows how the heart is beating while you do your daily activities. It's also called a cardiac event recorder. This device records the heartbeat continuously for up to three years. Some devices automatically record when an irregular heart rhythm is detected. You usually push a button when you feel symptoms. This device is like a Holter monitor, but it records only at certain times for a few minutes at a time. It's worn for a day or two while you do your regular activities. This small, portable ECG device records the heart's activity. It's the main test for diagnosing atrial fibrillation. An ECG can show the heart rhythm and how slow or fast the heart is beating. Wires connect the electrodes to a computer, which prints or displays the test results. Sticky patches called electrodes are placed on the chest and sometimes the arms and legs. This quick and painless test measures the electrical activity of the heart. Blood tests are done to look for health conditions or substances that may affect the heart or heartbeat. Tests to diagnose atrial fibrillation (AFib) may include:
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