Atrial Fibrillation Specialist

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is a type of heart arrhythmia that causes an irregular heartbeat that affects the normal flow of blood through the chambers of your heart.

Your heart is made up of four chambers. Your right upper chamber, or the right atrium, contains a group of cells called the sinus node that sets the rhythm of your heartbeat. 

Normally, the electrical signal moves through the upper chambers to your lower chambers (ventricles) to pump blood through. With atrial fibrillation the electrical signals are chaotic, creating an irregular heartbeat.

Atrial fibrillation may increase your risk of having a stroke or heart failure.

What are atrial fibrillation symptoms?

Atrial fibrillation doesn’t always cause symptoms. You may not be aware you have an irregular heartbeat until it’s discovered during a routine health exam.

When you do have symptoms of atrial fibrillation, you may experience:

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

Atrial fibrillation may come and go or be a chronic health condition. In either case, comprehensive cardiology care is essential for managing atrial fibrillation to prevent serious health complications. 

How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?

Heart & Vascular Center of North Houston is a premier cardiovascular practice that uses advanced tools and technology to diagnose cardiac conditions like atrial fibrillation.

During your exam, your provider reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical. To better understand your heart health and function, your provider may run various diagnostic tests, such as:

• Lab workup
• Chest X-ray
• Event and telemetry monitoring
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Stress testing
• Holter monitor
• Echocardiogram

The type of testing needed may depend on the information obtained from your initial history and physical. 

How is atrial fibrillation treated?

Heart & Vascular Center of North Houston develops individualized treatment plans for atrial fibrillation based on the severity of your heart arrhythmia and symptoms. Treatment focuses on resetting your heart rhythm and preventing blood clots that may increase the risk of stroke.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Cardioversion to reset your heart rhythm
• Antiarrhythmic medication
• Medication to maintain heart rhythm control (digoxin, beta-blockers)
• Catheter ablation
• Atrioventricular node ablation
• Anticoagulants

Heart & Vascular Center of North Houston reviews your diagnosis and treatment options with you and helps you determine the best treatment to improve your atrial fibrillation and heart health. 

To schedule a consultation, contact Heart & Vascular Center of North Houston by phone or online today.