Statistics indicate that over 2 million Americans are affected by atrial fibrillation (AFib). This cardiac condition is one of the most common types of arrhythmia. More than a frightening sensation of quivering, irregular heartbeat, AFib can present some potentially serious risks for complications, including heart failure, stroke, and blood clots. We certainly do not offer such information to alarm any person who has been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or who experiences irregular heartbeats. We believe that knowledge is empowering and that is exactly what we want for our patients.
AFib is characterized by sometimes aggressively irregular heartbeats. The origin of these beats is the upper chambers of the heart, the atria. These chambers beat out of sync with the lower chambers, the ventricles when the electrical signals of the heart become erratic. Typically, AFIb occurs in episodes. However, there are circumstances in which heart rhythm does not self-correct, leaving a person in limbo between weakness, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.
The first treatment option most doctors consider for AFib is prescription medication that helps control the rhythm of the heart. For some, medication does not achieve the desired improvement. At this point, we may consider catheter ablation for AFib.
Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that addresses what are called “hot spots” of rapidly firing cells that deliver electrical stimulation to the atria. Catheterization involves the insertion of a long, thin tube from blood vessels in the groin to the heart. In the atria, the tip of the catheter delivers radiofrequency energy to tissue in which the erratic signals originate. In response to radiofrequency energy, these cells self-destruct. In their absence, normal heart rhythm is restored.
The team at Premier Cardiology Consultants includes a collective of extensively trained cardiologists who have dedicated their education and career to the diagnosis and treatment of various cardiac conditions. If you or someone you love is experiencing signs of atrial fibrillation or has been diagnosed with this condition, we can help. Contact us in Lake Success, Forest Hills, or Richmond Hill to schedule a visit.
