Atrial Fibrillation

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is a common cause of arrhythmia, also known as an irregular heartbeat. If you have atrial fibrillation, the two upper chambers of your heart pump erratically and out of rhythm, causing heart palpitations and other symptoms. 

In some cases, atrial fibrillation is a temporary condition. In other cases, it’s a long-term condition requiring ongoing medical care. Dr. Yashar can help you select the right course of treatment for your atrial fibrillation to ease your symptoms and improve your heart health. 

What are the signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation?

Your atrial fibrillation may or may not come with symptoms. If you have symptoms from atrial fibrillation, they might include:

• Heart palpitations
• Chest pain or tightness
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Difficulty exercising

You might experience ongoing symptoms, or they might come and go at random. If you notice symptoms of atrial fibrillation or if you notice changes in your symptoms, you should report them to Dr. Yashar right away. 

What happens if I do not treat atrial fibrillation?

If you have atrial fibrillation, Dr. Yashar encourages you to attend regular in-person or telehealth appointments to monitor your condition. Without monitoring and treatment, certain complications can develop from atrial fibrillation. Possible complications include serious conditions like heart failure, heart attack, and stroke. Dr. Yashar helps you develop a personalized treatment plan to avoid those complications.

What are my treatment options for atrial fibrillation?

Dr. Yashar provides several treatment options for atrial fibrillation. After performing tests like electrocardiograms (ECGs) and stress tests to diagnose you, he may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Cardioversion

Cardioversion is a procedure to reset your heartbeat. Dr. Yashar might perform the treatment using medications to restore your heart’s original rhythm or by administering an electrical shock through patches on your chest.

Catheter ablation

Dr. Yashar might recommend catheter ablation to destroy the areas of tissue on your heart, causing the irregular beat. During the procedure, he delivers heat, cold, or laser energy to the tissue through catheters inserted near your groin, arm, or neck. 

Medications

Certain medications can help maintain your normal heartbeat. Dr. Yashar tells you how they work and how to take them for the best possible effect.

In addition to your treatments, medications, and monitoring, Dr. Yashar encourages you to live a heart-healthy lifestyle complete with exercise and a low-cholesterol diet. 

To find out if you have atrial fibrillation and begin an effective treatment plan, call Payam R. Yashar, MD, or book an appointment online today.