What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is an irregular, often rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots in the heart. Stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related conditions increase when someone experiences atrial fibrillation.

The main goals of atrial fibrillation treatment are controlling your heart rate, regaining a normal rhythm, and reducing your risk of stroke. The first form of treatment physicians turn to is medication. If medication doesn’t help, surgery will be the next option.

One problem sometimes seen with those taking blood thinners to reduce clotting is the risk of stroke. Blood thinners help prevent clot-related strokes but can increase the risk of stroke related to bleeding and blood vessel rupture. There is an alternative to blood thinners that helps reduce the risk of all types of stroke: the WATCHMAN device. The device is a quarter-sized implant that sits in the left atrial appendage, reducing the risk of stroke and allowing patients to ease off of blood thinning medication.

• Sensations of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness

• Other heart conditions
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart attack
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart valve problems
• Lung diseases
• Physical stress due to surgery, pneumonia, or other illnesses
• Previous heart surgery
• Sleep apnea
• Thyroid disease
• Use of stimulants, like certain medications, caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol
• Viral infections

• Occasional. Symptoms come and go, only lasting a few minutes to hours. Some people with this type of AFib will need treatment.
• Persistent. The heart rhythm doesn’t go back to normal on its own, and some form of treatment, cardioversion or medication, is needed to correct it.
• Long-standing persistent. Lasting more than 12 months, this type of atrial fibrillation is continuous and will require treatment.
• Permanent. A regular heart rhythm cannot be restored without the help of medication to control the heart rate and prevent blood clots.

• Age. As a person gets older, the risk of atrial fibrillation increases.
• Heart disease. Anyone with heart disease, like coronary artery disease and heart valve problems, has a higher risk of developing AFib.
• High blood pressure. The risk of atrial fibrillation is higher in someone with high blood pressure.
• Thyroid disease. Thyroid problems can cause heart rhythm problems, including atrial fibrillation.
• Other chronic health conditions. Some chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea increase a person’s risk of AFib.
• Alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol can produce occasional atrial fibrillation.
• Obesity. People who have obesity are at a higher risk of atrial fibrillation.
• Family history. Atrial fibrillation can be passed down in some families.

• Eat a nutritious diet
• Get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid smoking
• Limit alcohol and caffeine intake
• Manage stress

• Medications like beta blockers or blood thinners
• Cardioversion therapy
• WATCHMAN
• Ablation