In a normal and healthy heart, the four chambers contract (squeeze) in a very organized way. This helps the heart pump all the blood the body needs. In atrial fibrillation, the electrical impulse of the heart is not regular. The upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly and rapidly – at 300 beats per minute – and out of coordination with the two lower chambers of the heart. As a result, the heart may not pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This causes poor blood flow, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath. Up to 5 million people in the United States suffer from atrial fibrillation, making it one of the most common heart rhythm disturbances. It can affect both men and women and becomes more common as you get older.

The electrophysiologists at the CHI Health Heart & Vascular Care specialize in treating atrial fibrillation with the latest technology, procedures and devices. They work collaboratively with our general cardiologists and interventional cardiologists as well as cardiovascular surgeons to provide high-quality patient centered care.

Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Options

Medicine

Daily medicines taken by mouth may also be used to slow the irregular heartbeat. These medications may include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin. Medicines may also be used to keep atrial fibrillation from coming back. These medications may work well in many people, but they can have serious side effects. Many patients go back to atrial fibrillation, even while taking these medications.

Blood thinners — such as heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), apixaban, and dabigatran (Pradaxa) — reduce the risk of a blood clot traveling in the body (such as a stroke). Because these drugs increase the chance of bleeding, not everyone can use them. Antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin or clopidogrel may also be prescribed. Your doctor will consider your age and other medical problems when deciding which drug is best.

Procedures

To help get the heart back into normal rhythm right away, electrical cardioversion may be used. This may involve electrical shocks or special drugs given through the veins. They may be done as an emergency, or planned ahead of time.

A procedure called ablation can be used to treat areas in your heart that may be causing your heart rhythm problems. Radiofrequency or Cryoablation Techniques (freezing) are available.