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Atrial fibrillation is a cardiac irregularity, characterized by rapid and chaotic heartbeats, and it affects the lives of over 33 million people worldwide. Fortunately, with the right medical guidance and lifestyle adjustments, managing AFib can be less stressful. At Capitol Cardiology Associates, we specialize in transforming medical challenges into manageable plans. Our commitment to personalized care and continuous patient support makes us the preferred choice for managing your heart health.
Atrial fibrillation is a common type of sustained heart arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat out of coordination with the two lower chambers. This condition can vary in severity. Some may experience it as a brief occurrence, others as a permanent condition.
While the exact cause of AFib isn't always clear, risk factors include age, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions. In AFib, the heart's electrical signals become erratic, primarily due to changes in heart tissue and stress on the atrial walls. This leads to a fast, fluttering, and irregular heartbeat.
Common symptoms of AFib include palpitations, fatigue, reduced exercise capacity, and shortness of breath. However, some people with AFib might not experience any symptoms at all, which is why it’s often discovered during routine physical exams or through ECG tests.
Managing AFib effectively involves a mix of medical treatment and lifestyle adjustments. Here’s what you can do:
Living with AFib means adapting to the unpredictability of heart rhythms. This can affect daily activities, causing anxiety about when and where an episode might occur. Social life, work, and personal relationships can also be impacted, as the condition might necessitate frequent medical appointments and sudden adjustments to plans.
Regular monitoring is an important part of managing AFib. The use of wearable devices that track heart rate and rhythm can help patients maintain an ongoing record of their heart condition, which is invaluable for doctor visits. Keeping regular appointments with your local cardiologist also allows for consistent tracking of your heart's health and adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
For some patients, medication and lifestyle changes might not be enough to manage AFib effectively. In such cases, minimally invasive procedures such as catheter ablation or the installation of a pacemaker may be recommended. These procedures are designed to restore normal heart rhythm with minimal recovery time and disruption to the patient's life.
At Capitol Cardiology Associates, our experts are leaders in the field of arrhythmia management, employing state-of-the-art techniques that offer the best outcomes with the least invasiveness. Our approach is always tailored to the individual needs of our patients, ensuring that each person receives the care that best suits their unique situation. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of AFib, don't hesitate to reach out to us for more information about your options for atrial fibrillation treatment.