Atrial Fibrillation Specialist

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, is a type of arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat. Your heartbeat helps pump blood through your heart and to the rest of your body.

During a normal heartbeat, the upper chambers of your heart — the atria — contract, and then the lower chambers of your heart ― the ventricle — contract, allowing for efficient pumping.

With atrial fibrillation, the contraction of the upper chamber is rapid or chaotic, leading to an inefficient movement of blood through the heart. 

The abnormal heartbeat may lead to blood clots, increasing the risk of a stroke or heart attack. 

What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?

If you have atrial fibrillation, you may feel as though your heart flip-flops in your chest or skips a beat. You may also have heart palpitations or discomfort in your chest, like mild pain or pressure.

Atrial fibrillation may also cause fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

If you or someone you love has these symptoms, schedule a consultation at Apex Cardiology Consultants. 

What happens during an atrial fibrillation consultation?

You can expect a personalized, comprehensive exam when you visit Apex Cardiology Consultants for an AFib consultation. The highly skilled cardiologists use advanced diagnostic tools to determine the cause of your abnormal heartbeat so you get the best treatment.

Your provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, family history, and performs a physical. They also perform diagnostic testing to confirm or rule out atrial fibrillation.

Testing may include an electrocardiogram (EKG), stress testing, or echocardiogram. Apex Cardiology Consultants also offers electrophysiology testing to better understand the cause of your abnormal heartbeat and treat the condition.

How is atrial fibrillation treated?

Treatment for atrial fibrillation focuses on restoring your heart’s normal rhythm. Your provider at Apex Cardiology Consultants customizes your treatment plan based on your symptoms and the cause of your atrial fibrillation. 

Treatment for AFib may include:

• Medications to control your heart’s rhythm (antiarrhythmic drugs)
• Medications to control your heart rate (e.g., beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers)
• Anticoagulant medication to prevent blood clots
• Treatment for high blood pressure
• Smoking cessation
• Activity modification

When conservative treatments fail to restore your heart rhythm, Apex Cardiology Consultants may perform an interventional coronary procedure such as cardiac ablation or implantation of a pacemaker. 

For comprehensive care from experts in cardiology, call Apex Cardiology Consultants or schedule an appointment online today.