Q & A

While AFib can contribute to heart failure, effective treatment (including medication, lifestyle changes and sometimes procedures like cardioversion or ablation) can help control AFib, restore normal heart rhythm, and prevent heart failure. Early detection and management are key to preventing complications.

Not everyone with AFib will develop heart failure, but it’s important to monitor and manage your heart health with your doctor to keep both conditions in check.

Common treatment options for atrial fibrillation include:

• Ablation therapy: A minimally invasive procedure where heat or cold is used to destroy small areas of the heart tissue that are causing irregular electrical signals.
• Electrical cardioversion: A procedure where a controlled electric shock is delivered to the heart to reset it to a normal rhythm.
• Lifestyle changes: Managing underlying conditions (like high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity), reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, managing stress and maintaining a healthy weight can help control AFib.
• Medications
  • Blood thinners (anticoagulants): Medications like warfarin or newer anticoagulants (e.g., apixaban) reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke.
  • Rate-control medications: Drugs like beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers help slow the heart rate and make it more regular.
  • Rhythm-control medications: Antiarrhythmic drugs help restore and maintain a normal heart rhythm.
• Pacemaker: In some cases, if AFib causes slow heart rates or other issues, a pacemaker may be implanted to regulate heart rhythm.
• Surgery (Maze procedure): For severe or persistent AFib, this surgery creates small scars in the heart to block abnormal electrical signals and restore normal rhythm.

If you’re diagnosed with AFib, our experts will work with you to create an AFib treatment plan that’s customized to your needs and goals and keeps your whole health in mind.

Several factors can contribute to these irregular rhythms.

• Alcohol or caffeine consumption: Excessive intake can overstimulate the heart and trigger irregular beats.
• Congenital heart defects: Irregular heart rhythms can be present from birth due to structural abnormalities.
• Coronary artery disease (CAD): Blocked or narrowed arteries can reduce blood flow to the heart, leading to rhythm disturbances.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the heart’s electrical system and increase the risk of arrhythmias.
• Electrolyte imbalances: Low or high levels of potassium, sodium, calcium or magnesium can interfere with heart signaling.
• Heart attacks: Damage to heart tissue from a previous heart attack can disrupt normal electrical pathways.
• Heart failure: A weakened heart may struggle to maintain a steady rhythm.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): Increased pressure can strain the heart and alter its electrical activity.
• Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism: An overactive or underactive thyroid can affect heart rate and rhythm.
• Infections or inflammation: Conditions like myocarditis or pericarditis can interfere with heart function.
• Lung diseases (COPD, sleep apnea, etc.): Poor oxygen levels and increased heart strain can contribute to arrhythmias.
• Medications and stimulants: Certain prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and illegal substances can affect heart rhythm.
• Stress and anxiety: Emotional distress or chronic stress can lead to irregular heartbeats.
• Surgery or medical procedures: Some cardiac surgeries or interventions may temporarily or permanently affect heart rhythm.

While arrhythmias like AFib can be concerning, many of these causes are manageable with lifestyle changes, medication or treatment. Early diagnosis and proper care can help restore a steady heartbeat and improve overall heart health.

Recognizing the signs can help with early diagnosis and treatment.

AFib symptoms can include:

• Chest discomfort or pain: a sensation of tightness, pressure or pain in the chest.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: feeling unsteady, woozy or as if you might faint.
• Exercise intolerance: unusual fatigue or difficulty keeping up with normal physical activity.
• Fatigue or weakness: persistent tiredness, even without exertion.
• Heart palpitations: a fluttering, rapid or irregular heartbeat sensation, often described as pounding or skipping beats.
• Shortness of breath: difficulty breathing, especially during activity or while lying down.
• Sweating without exertion: sudden or excessive sweating unrelated to heat or physical activity.

Some people with AFib experience symptoms only occasionally (paroxysmal AFib), while others may have persistent or permanent AFib that requires ongoing management. If you notice any of these symptoms — especially chest pain or fainting — seek medical attention right away to prevent complications like stroke or heart failure.

The goal is to confirm the presence of AFib and assess its underlying causes and any related complications.

Diagnosing AFib can include steps like:

• Blood tests: tests to check for underlying issues like thyroid problems or electrolyte imbalances.
• Chest X-ray and stress test: used to evaluate heart and lung function, especially if other heart conditions are suspected.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): this test records your heart’s electrical activity to detect AFib by detecting irregular rhythms.
• Holter monitor: a portable device that continuously tracks your heart's rhythm for 24 to 48 hours if episodes are intermittent.
• Medical history review and physical exam: your doctor will ask about symptoms and check for irregular pulse or abnormal heart sounds.
• Echocardiogram: an ultrasound that examines heart structure and function, looking for underlying causes of AFib.

No matter which diagnostic steps our teams use, rest assured that we’ll work to detect AFib and create a treatment plan that meets your needs.

While lifestyle factors and medical conditions often play a significant role in developing AFib, research has shown that genetics can also contribute to an increased risk.

If you have a family history of AFib, you can take proactive steps such as monitoring your heart health, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress and getting regular checkups. Early detection can help prevent complications like stroke or heart failure.

While genetics may play a role, having a family history of AFib does not mean you will develop it. It just means being mindful of your heart health is even more important.

• Bradycardia (slow heart rate): The heart beats too slowly, typically fewer than 60 beats per minute, which can cause fatigue, dizziness or fainting.
• Fibrillation (irregular heartbeat): The heart’s electrical signals become chaotic, causing rapid, uncoordinated beats. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) and ventricular fibrillation are common types.
• Premature heartbeats (extra or skipped beats): Extra heartbeats that disrupt the normal rhythm, often felt as a fluttering or skipping sensation in the chest.
• Tachycardia (fast heart rate): The heart beats too quickly, usually over 100 beats per minute, which can lead to palpitations, shortness of breath or chest discomfort.

Each type varies in severity and treatment options, but with the right care, many arrhythmias can be effectively managed.

Recognizing the early signs of heart disease can be lifesaving. One of the most common symptoms is chest discomfort, which may feel like pressure, tightness or pain, particularly during physical activity or stress. Some people also experience shortness of breath, making it difficult to perform regular tasks or rest comfortably.

Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet might indicate poor circulation, while unusual fluttering or racing sensations in your chest, known as palpitations, could point to an irregular heartbeat. If you notice these symptoms, it's important that you seek medical attention immediately.