How We Diagnose and Treat Atrial Fibrillation_ A Step-by-Step Guide.docx

1. How We Diagnose and Treat Atrial Fibrillation: A Step-by-Step Guide Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a condition where the heart beats irregularly and rapidly, which can cause dizziness, fatigue, and fainting. Diagnosing AFib involves tests such as ECGs, Holter monitors, and echocardiograms to assess heart rhythm and function. Treatment options include medications to control heart rate and rhythm, electric shock therapy to reset the heart, and catheter ablation for persistent cases. Supportive therapies like lifestyle changes and stress management can help manage symptoms. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe symptoms like chest pain or trouble breathing. By understanding AFib and its treatments, you can take steps to effectively manage your heart health. Atrial fibrillation, often called AFib or AF, is a heart condition where the heart beats in a very fast and irregular way. This can make you feel dizzy, tired, or even faint. It happens when the heart's upper chambers, called atria, don’t beat in sync with the lower chambers. As a result, blood may not flow properly, which can sometimes lead to serious complications like blood clots or stroke. If you have symptoms or are at risk, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. How Do We Know If You Have Atrial Fibrillation? Symptoms of AFib For Everyone: • • • Feeling dizzy: You might feel like the room is spinning. Feeling tired: You could be more tired than usual. Heart palpitations: Your heart might feel like it's racing or skipping beats. Symptoms of AFib in Women: • • Women may also feel breathless or have chest discomfort. They might notice these symptoms more often during sleep or after exercise. Diagnosing Atrial Fibrillation Doctors use different tests to find out if you have atrial fibrillation. Here’s how: • Listening to Your Heart

2. Your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to your heart. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) • This is a special test that checks your heart’s electrical signals. It helps to see if your heart is beating irregularly. Holter Monitor • This is a small device you wear for 24-48 hours to monitor your heart’s rhythm continuously. Event Recorder • Similar to a Holter monitor but used for a longer time. It records your heart’s activity when you feel symptoms. Echocardiogram • This test uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart. It helps check the heart’s structure and function. • • • • • How Do We Treat Atrial Fibrillation? Atrial Fibrillation Treatments • Medications • Heart Medications for AFib: Doctors may give you special medicines to help control your heart rate and rhythm. These can include blood thinners to prevent blood clots. Electric Shock • Atrial Fibrillation Medical Procedure: Sometimes, a procedure called cardioversion is used. This is where doctors use electric shocks to help your heart start beating normally again. Catheter Ablation • This is a procedure where doctors use a tube to send energy to parts of your heart causing AFib. This helps to restore normal heart rhythm. Surgery • In some cases, surgery might be needed to help control AFib. • • • Atrial Fibrillation Supportive Therapy • Lifestyle Changes: Eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine can help manage AFib. Stress Management: Reducing stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing can be beneficial. • When to Go to the Hospital You should go to the hospital if you experience: • • Severe Chest Pain: This could be a sign of a serious problem. Difficulty Breathing: If you have trouble breathing or feel short of breath.

3. • Severe Dizziness or Fainting: If you feel very dizzy or faint, it’s important to get checked. Special Cases Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation This is a type of AFib that comes and goes. It may last for a few minutes or hours and then stop on its own. Even if it stops, you should still talk to your doctor. A word from the doctor — Atrial fibrillation is a condition where your heart beats irregularly. We diagnose it using tests like an ECG or Holter monitor. Treatment can include medications, medical procedures, or lifestyle changes. If you have symptoms like chest pain or severe dizziness, it's important to go to the hospital. By understanding the symptoms of AFib, knowing when to seek medical help, and following the right treatments, you can manage atrial fibrillation effectively and lead a healthy life. So, get started by contacting us right away.