Atrial Fibrillation Specialist

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation describes an irregular, generally rapid heart rate that can increase your risk for long-term heart complications like stroke and heart failure.

When you have atrial fibrillation, the upper two chambers of your heart (atria) beat chaotically because of a dysfunction in the electrical signals of your heart. This irregular beating doesn’t coordinate with the ventricles, the lower chambers of your heart.

You might be at increased risk for atrial fibrillation if you have a heart attack or:

• Heart defects
• High blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart valve abnormalities
• Overuse of alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco

If you have certain lung disease, sleep apnea, or undergo heart surgery, your risk for atrial fibrillation can also increase.

What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?

As a result of atrial fibrillation, you might experience symptoms like:

• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Lightheadedness
• Heart palpitations
• General weakness
• Shortness of breath

These symptoms can come and go without affecting your quality of life. However, if you have persistent symptoms of atrial fibrillation, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation with the providers at Cary Cardiology, P.A.

While atrial fibrillation isn’t usually serious, it can increase your risk of blood clots forming in your heart’s upper chambers. The clots can travel to your other organs and lead to ischemia, a condition that describes blockages in your usual flow of blood.

How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?

Several diagnostic tests at Cary Cardiology, P.A., can evaluate your heart’s activity. These tests might include an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure your heart’s electrical signals and an echocardiogram that can detect abnormalities in the structures of your heart.

The providers also use stress testing to evaluate your heart’s function at rest and while active.

You might need to wear a Holter monitor, a portable ECG device that records your heart activity over several days.

How is atrial fibrillation treated?

Not all cases of atrial fibrillation require treatment. Your provider at Cary Cardiology, P.A., can customize a treatment plan based on your symptoms and how they affect your life.

You might need medications or a procedure like electrical cardioversion to reset your heart’s rhythm. Cardioversion involves delivering an electric shock to your heart through patches or paddles your physician places on your chest. The shock temporarily stops your heart’s electrical activity to restore a normal heart rhythm.

If you have symptoms of atrial fibrillation, call the Cary Cardiology, P.A., office nearest you to request an appointment or schedule online today.