How do u treat atrial fibrillation

Together, you and your doctors will discuss the best treatment option for you. It's important to follow your atrial fibrillation treatment plan. If A-fib isn't well controlled, it may lead to other complications, including strokes and heart failure. You may be prescribed medications to control how fast your heart beats and restore it to a normal rate.

Medications are also prescribed to prevent blood clots, a dangerous complication of A-fib. If A-fib symptoms are bothersome or if this is the first episode of atrial fibrillation, a doctor may attempt to reset the heart rhythm sinus rhythm using a procedure called cardioversion.

Cardioversion is usually done in a hospital as a scheduled procedure, but it may be done in emergency situations. If it's scheduled, warfarin Jantoven or another blood thinner may be given a few weeks before it's done to reduce the risk of blood clots and strokes.

After electrical cardioversion, anti-arrhythmic medications may be prescribed indefinitely to help prevent future episodes of atrial fibrillation. Even with medications, there is a chance of another episode of atrial fibrillation.

In atrioventricular AV node ablation, doctors use radiofrequency energy to destroy the electrical connection between the upper and lower heart chambers AV node , blocking the heart's electrical impulses.

Once the AV node is destroyed, doctors then implant a small medical device pacemaker to maintain a heart rhythm. If A-fib doesn't get better with medications or other therapies, a doctor might recommend a procedure called cardiac ablation. Sometimes ablation is the first treatment for certain patients.

Cardiac ablation uses heat radiofrequency energy or extreme cold cryoablation to create scars in your heart to block abnormal electrical signals and restore a normal heartbeat. A doctor inserts a flexible tube catheter through a blood vessel, usually in your groin, and into your heart. More than one catheter may be used. Sensors on the tip of the catheter apply the cold or heat energy. There are different types of cardiac ablation. The type used to treat atrial fibrillation depends on your specific symptoms, overall health and whether you're having another heart surgery.

For example, some of the types of cardiac ablation that may be used to treat atrial fibrillation are:. Maze procedure. A doctor uses heat or cold energy or a scalpel to create a pattern of scar tissue the maze in the upper chambers of the heart. Because scar tissue doesn't send electrical signals, the maze interferes with the stray heart signals that cause atrial fibrillation. If a scalpel is used to create the maze pattern, open-heart surgery is necessary. This is called the surgical maze procedure.

It's the preferred method of atrial fibrillation treatment in those who need another heart surgery, such as coronary artery bypass surgery or heart valve repair.

Atrial fibrillation may return after cardiac ablation. If this happens, another cardiac ablation or other heart treatment may be recommended. After cardiac ablation, lifelong blood thinners may be needed to prevent strokes. New Treatment Option. If you are unable to take a blood thinner because of risk of bleeding or falls, your doctor may recommend a procedure to occlude your left atrial appendage.

Find out more about these options here. Medications that do this include beta-blockers. Restore a normal heart rhythm. One way normal rhythm can be restored is with a procedure called electrical cardioversion. Anti-arrhythmic medications can also be used. If these options are ineffective, catheter ablation can be performed. This procedure is used to eliminate atrial fibrillation by cauterizing certain areas in the heart that cause atrial fibrillation, says Calkins.

Your doctor can explain this procedure to you in more detail. Treat any underlying disorder, such as a thyroid problem or high blood pressure. For heart problems, lifestyle changes that improve weight and blood markers—a heart-healthy diet, being more active and losing weight if needed—can help. Medications may be given to manage certain conditions. Having A-fib and not knowing when quivering episodes will start may cause you stress.

Many people with this disorder lead normal, active lives. This is the single most important aspect of AF management. Be sure to follow medication guidelines carefully. When you take a blood-thinner called warfarin, you need to have your blood checked monthly to evaluate effectiveness. If you have had atrial fibrillation for more than 2 days, cardioversion can increase the risk of a clot forming. In this case, you'll be given an anticoagulant for 3 to 4 weeks before cardioversion, and for at least 4 weeks afterwards to minimise the chance of having a stroke.

In an emergency, pictures of the heart can be taken to check for blood clots, and cardioversion can be carried out without going on medicine first. But you may need to continue taking anticoagulation after cardioversion if the risk of atrial fibrillation returning is high and you have an increased risk of having a stroke. Catheter ablation is a procedure that very carefully destroys the diseased area of your heart and interrupts abnormal electrical circuits.

Catheters thin, soft wires are guided through one of your veins into your heart, where they record electrical activity. When the source of the abnormality is found, an energy source, such as high-frequency radio waves that generate heat, is transmitted through one of the catheters to destroy the tissue.

The procedure can be very quick or it may take up to 3 or 4 hours, and may be carried out under general anaesthetic , which means you're unconscious during the procedure. You should make a quick recovery after having catheter ablation and be able to carry out most of your normal activities the next day.

But you should not lift anything heavy for 2 weeks, and driving should be avoided for the first 2 days. A pacemaker is a small battery-operated device that's usually implanted in your chest, just below your collarbone.

It's usually used to stop your heart beating too slowly, but in atrial fibrillation it may be used to help your heart beat regularly. Having a pacemaker fitted is usually a minor surgical procedure carried out under a local anaesthetic the area being operated on is numbed and you're conscious during the procedure.

This treatment may be used when medicines are not effective or are unsuitable. This tends to be in people aged 80 or over. Find out more about pacemaker implantation.

Page last reviewed: 17 May Next review due: 17 May Factors that will be taken into consideration include: your age your overall health the type of atrial fibrillation you have your symptoms whether you have an underlying cause that needs to be treated The first step is to try to find the cause of the atrial fibrillation.

Lifestyle changes are also important. These changes can help reduce your risk of complications from AFib. You should stop or refrain from smoking and limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine.

Also, you should avoid cough and cold medications that contain stimulants. Also, take note of any activities that produce or worsen your AFib symptoms and talk to your doctor about them. For more tips, check out this article on lifestyle changes to help manage AFib. Atrial fibrillation has a number of treatment options, including natural and alternative therapies, plus lifestyle changes you can make.

Learn more. Atrial fibrillation AFib is the most common type of arrhythmia in the United States. Learn more about this condition, including causes and symptoms…. According to a new study, people who work night shifts have a 12 percent higher risk of atrial fibrillation AFib , an irregular heart rate, compared…. New research from the U. Those who practice…. Avoiding or limiting certain foods can reduce the risk of an AFib episode. Take care to sidestep these food items if you live with the condition.

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