Introduction
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder seen by doctors. It’s a big public health issue in terms of not only the sheer number of patients affected, but also by the fact that managing these specific arrhythmias (which is the medical name for heart rhythm problems) is expensive.Use this condition center to learn about atrial fibrillation, become familiar with the 5 questions you should ask your doctor once you've been diagnosed, and understand what you can do to become or stay as healthy as possible.
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Learn About Atrial Fibrillation
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The heart has an electrical system that controls both the speed and rhythm of each heartbeat. An arrhythmia occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions causing a failure in the synchronization that’s required for the heart to work properly. In the specific arrhythmia known as atrial fibrillation, electrical signals fire rapidly and haphazardly throughout the heart’s upper chambers. |
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Questions to Ask Your Cardiologist
If you’ve been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, there are several key questions that you should ask your cardiologist during your next visit. These questions will ensure that you and your doctor have discussed your major risk factors so that you can become or stay as healthy as possible.
- Do I need blood thinners to avoid a stroke? What kind (e.g. aspirin, warfarin)?
- Should I have a procedure (e.g. electrical shock or ablation) to restore a normal heartbeat?
- Has my heart been weakened by the atrial fibrillation?
- What medicines should I take to control my heart rate?
- What kind of activities can I perform and what should I avoid?
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News
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Stay up-to-date with the most recent advances in cardiovascular disease by learning what your doctor is reading. The news articles featured here are always presented from the perspective of the physicians and healthcare specialists that have dedicated their lives to helping others stay heart healthy. Want to receive CardioSmart News updates by e-mail?
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Helpful Links
Below are some helpful links to help you learn more about your condition and how to manage your risk factors:
A New Paradigm in Managing Atrial Fibrillation: Patient Resources from the American College of Cardiology and the Heart Rhythm Society
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Mayo Clinic
Merck Manuals
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Video Library
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Tests
Watch how an echocardiogram is performed here.
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Patient Story
Learn how Bob Ek and his cardiologist, Scott J. Pollak, MD, FACC, work as a team to manage Bob’s atrial fibrillation.
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