Committed to Care
Cardiovascular diseases
Atrial Fibrillation
A common arrhythmia that needs individualized evaluation.
What is it
In atrial fibrillation the heart rhythm becomes irregular.
It can cause palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue or reduced stamina, and in some people it is discovered without any previous symptoms.
Because it matters
Its effects go beyond changes in the heartbeat.
It is associated with an increased risk of stroke in some patients, so an individualized assessment of thromboembolic risk is needed.
How is the evaluation done?
The assessment may include:
- documentation of rhythm by ECG or prolonged recording
- assessment of symptoms and frequency of episodes
- Echocardiogram
- assessment of factors that may contribute to the arrhythmia
- stroke risk assessment.
How it is treated and monitored
The treatment strategy is not the same for everyone.
It may involve controlling the heart's rhythm or rate, preventing thromboembolic events, and treating factors that contribute to the arrhythmia.