Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and often rapid heartbeat that starts in the upper chambers of your heart. It can cause palpitations, fatigue, or shortness of breath, and it raises your risk of stroke. At Signet Heart Group, our cardiologists diagnose AFib, help you control your heart rate and rhythm, and work with you to lower your stroke risk.
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heart condition characterized by an irregular and rapid heartbeat that hampers blood supply to the body. In atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers (atria) and the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart lack coordination, causing a rapid and irregular heart rhythm. People with atrial fibrillation may experience palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue or lack of energy. Atrial fibrillation can be intermittent (occasional) or chronic. Atrial fibrillation is a serious medical condition that requires immediate treatment. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health consequences.
Risks for Atrial Fibrillation
Some of the risk factors for atrial fibrillation include the following:
- Aging: Overage 60 although it may occur at any age
- Affects more whites than blacks
- Affects more men than women
- Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Chronic lung disease
- Pulmonary embolism: a blood clot in the lungs
- Diabetes
- Nerve conditions
- Excessive alcohol, caffeine or tobacco intake
- Heart disease caused by high cholesterol
Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation
A cardiologist should evaluate all heart conditions for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your cardiologist will review your medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. Diagnostic studies may include routine blood tests, electrocardiogram (measures the electrical activity of the heart), chest X-ray, echocardiogram (ultrasound images) and Holter monitor (an ambulatory device that measures the electrical activity of the heart). Treatment options may include medications, specific medical procedures and surgery. Surgery may be necessary for patients with chronic AF who do not respond to medication or procedures and in people with other co-morbid conditions requiring heart surgery. Surgical procedures for atrial fibrillation are open-heart procedures, performed under general anesthesia.
- Maze procedure: In this procedure, several precise incisions are made in the upper chambers of your heart (atria) to confine the transmission of electrical impulses to a controlled path.
- Surgical pulmonary vein isolation: It is a modified maze procedure during which alternative energy sources such as radiofrequency, cryothermy, microwave or laser are used to create the lesions for scar tissue formation. This scar tissue blocks the abnormal electrical impulses and promotes the conduction of impulses through a controlled path. These approaches can be performed through minimally invasive surgical techniques.
- Radiofrequency ablation: This technique uses radiofrequency energy to heat the heart tissue and create lesions similar to the lesions of the Maze procedure to block the abnormal electrical signals.
- Cryothermy: Cryothermy, also called cryoablation, is a technique that uses extremely cold temperature through an instrument called a cryoprobe, to produce lesions over the heart.
- Microwave Technology: In this technique, microwave energy through a special wand-like catheter is used to produce several lesions over the heart to block the abnormal electrical impulses and to restore a normal heartbeat.
- Laser technology: Lasers are also used to produce lesions over the heart. This approach offers great promise for the development of less invasive procedures.
In AF patients with other heart problems such as valve disease or coronary artery disease, which also require surgery, a combination of the surgeries may be used to treat AF and the co-morbid condition simultaneously.
Why Choose Signet Heart Group for Atrial Fibrillation
Living with AFib is easier when you have a team that knows heart rhythm care. Here is why you can count on our team:
- Atrial fibrillation and arrhythmia management: Atrial fibrillation and arrhythmia management are listed specialties across our cardiology team.
- Rhythm monitoring in our office: We offer ECGs and Holter monitoring, and we place loop recorders when longer monitoring is needed to capture an irregular rhythm.
- A full range of treatment options: Depending on your needs, your care may include medication, cardioversion, pacemaker or defibrillator care, or a discussion of procedures such as ablation or left atrial appendage closure.
- Device expertise: Dr. Nikhil Joshi is a Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (IBHRE), and our practice provides pacemaker and defibrillator management.
Atrial Fibrillation FAQs
Is atrial fibrillation dangerous?
AFib itself is not always life-threatening, but it can increase your risk of stroke and heart failure if it is not managed. Treatment focuses on controlling your heart rate or rhythm and preventing blood clots.
Do I need a blood thinner for AFib?
Many people with AFib benefit from a blood thinner to lower stroke risk, but not everyone needs one. Your cardiologist will weigh your age, health history, and bleeding risk to recommend what is right for you.
Can AFib come and go?
Yes. Some people have episodes that start and stop on their own, while others have AFib all the time. A Holter monitor or loop recorder can help capture episodes that do not show up during an office visit.
What lifestyle changes help with AFib?
Limiting alcohol and caffeine, managing blood pressure, treating sleep apnea, staying active, and keeping a healthy weight can all help reduce AFib episodes. Your care team can help you set realistic goals.
Schedule Your Visit
If you have an irregular heartbeat or have been diagnosed with AFib, call Signet Heart Group at or request an appointment online. You can visit us in Sherman, Anna, or Dallas, Texas, or Durant, Oklahoma, and telehealth visits are available.
