Treat arrhythmias with the help of our skilled cardiologists! Many Americans suffer from an irregular pattern in their heartbeats. Such a pattern may be too quick or too slow. This is a condition known as arrhythmia. The cardiologists at Apex Heart and Vascular Center have the expertise and the experience to diagnose and treat arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation.
Atrial Fibrillation: Definition
Atrial fibrillation or AF is the most common type of arrhythmia, an irregular pattern in a person’s heartbeat. A patient with AF often experiences erratic cardiac signals, resulting in the heart pumping inefficiently. This increases the likelihood of the formation of blood clots, which, in turn, can lead to stroke.
Symptoms
Some people may feel no symptoms, at all. Others may feel chest pain, palpitations, and fainting. Breathing difficulties may also be apparent, even when at rest.
Diagnosis
A full medical history, as well as a thorough examination, will be conducted during the initial visit for diagnosis. Our doctors may order an electrocardiogram or EKG, depending on the result of their examination.
However, an EKG cannot determine the condition when AF is intermittent. In this case, a Holter monitor, a small portable ECG equipment, may have to be worn. This instrument records EKGs for 12 up to 48 hours.
Treatment
The likelihood of developing stroke can be reduced through early detection of the condition and its prompt treatment. There are various treatment options available to correct AF. Some of these options include:
- Medications
- Cryoablation – a procedure that freezes the heart cells causing AF
- Electrical Cardioversion – a procedure resetting the rhythm of the heartbeat back to normal through electrical currents
- Pacemaker Implant – a procedure implanting a pacemaker that helps keep the pace of the heart
Call 973-916-0002 for your questions or schedule an appointment online.