Irregular quivering of the atria may increase the risk of stroke as well as causing palpitations.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- Chest pain
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe shortness of breath
- Very rapid pulse and weakness
- Signs of stroke
What is it?
Treatment addresses three questions: how to prevent stroke, how to control the heart rate, and whether the heart rhythm needs to be restored.
Symptoms
- Irregular pulse
- Palpitations
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Sometimes an asymptomatic course
Causes & risk factors
- Age
- Hypertension
- Heart failure
- Valvular heart disease
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Alcohol use and obesity
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is not based on a single test alone. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination findings, and instrumental test results are assessed together.
- ECG
- Holter monitoring
- Echocardiography
- Blood tests and thyroid function tests
- Stroke risk score
- Bleeding risk assessment
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to the severity of the disease, the patient's overall condition, comorbidities, and procedural risk.
- Selection of anticoagulant therapy
- Rate control
- Rhythm control
- Cardioversion
- Catheter ablation in selected cases
How we help
At the center, stroke and bleeding risks are calculated separately for patients with atrial fibrillation. The rhythm/rate control strategy is selected according to symptoms, age, heart structure, and the patient's priorities.
When a procedure may be needed
Cardioversion and ablation may be discussed for symptomatic and recurrent AF, a heart rate uncontrolled by medication, or when a rhythm restoration strategy is appropriate.
Patient checklist
- Record your pulse and blood pressure
- Do not stop your blood-thinning medication on your own
- Call emergency services if signs of stroke occur
- Have your thyroid function tests checked
FAQ
If atrial fibrillation goes away, is it still dangerous?
Yes, episodic AF may also increase the risk of stroke. The risk should be assessed individually.
Does everyone need a blood thinner?
No. The decision is based on the risks of stroke and bleeding.
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