Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that affects blood flow between the upper and lower chambers of the heart, putting you at risk of stroke. But with help from the team of experts at Advanced Medical Care in Brighton Beach (Brooklyn) and Forest Hills (Queens), New York, you can live a long and healthy life with AFib. The team understands the complexities of AFib and uses modern technologies so that you get the best care possible. Call today or schedule your AFib consultation online.

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) in which the heart’s upper chambers are out of sync with the lower chambers.

Electrical signals that move from one chamber to the next set the rhythm of your heartbeat, controlling blood flow. Normally, the electrical signal starts in the upper right chamber, travels to the upper left chamber, and then to the lower chambers.

AFib causes abnormal electrical signals in the upper chamber, leading to irregular contractions that are out of sync with the lower chamber, disrupting normal blood flow through the heart.

AFib causes the heart to beat irregularly or too quickly.

What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?

AFib often occurs without symptoms. If you have symptoms, they might happen only occasionally. Common AFib symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Low tolerance for exercise

AFib can lead to severe complications like stroke and heart failure when left undiagnosed and untreated.

If you have these symptoms or concerns about heart health, schedule a consultation at Advanced Medical Care. The team can accurately diagnose your AFib and find its root cause so that you get the most effective treatment.

What can I expect during a consultation for atrial fibrillation?

Advanced Medical Care’s cardiologists are committed to providing exceptional care, so you can expect a comprehensive and patient-centered evaluation during your AFib consultation.

They review your symptoms and medical history and complete a physical exam. They order lab tests to confirm your diagnosis and determine the cause. Testing can include bloodwork, electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram, and event loop monitoring.

Your cardiologists can also consult with the sleep medicine team for a sleep study if they’re concerned that a sleep disorder like sleep apnea is causing your AFib.

What are the treatments for atrial fibrillation?

The Advanced Medical Care team customizes your AFib treatment plan based on your exam findings and lab results. Your plan can include:

• Medication to prevent blood clots and improve heart rhythm
• Lifestyle management and support
• Placement of a pacemaker
• Catheter ablation to destroy the tissue causing the arrhythmia
• Cardioversion therapy (to reset the rhythm of the heart)

The team also treats underlying conditions like sleep apnea and an overactive thyroid gland that increase your risk of AFib.

Call Advanced Medical Care today or schedule an appointment online for a comprehensive and personalized AFib care plan.