Atrial Fibrillation

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) that causes an erratic or rapid heartbeat. Your heartbeat sets the pace of the heart’s muscle contractions, which move blood through each chamber of the heart and then to the rest of your body.

If you have AFib, the upper chambers of your heart — the atria — beat irregularly, causing the contractions of the upper and lower chambers to beat out of sync. When the contractions are out of sync, blood flow through the heart is less efficient, perhaps allowing blood to pool in the upper chamber and increasing your risk of blood clots and stroke.

There are different types of AFib, including:

Paroxysmal AFib

With paroxysmal AFib, your arrhythmia is brief, lasting a few hours or several days. This type of AFib may go away on its own or occur intermittently.

Persistent AFib

If you have an abnormal heartbeat that lasts longer than a week, you have persistent AFib. This type of AFib may resolve, but it generally requires treatment.

Long-term persistent AFib

Long-term persistent AFib is a chronic arrhythmia that lasts a year or more.

Permanent AFib

If your abnormal heartbeat fails to improve with treatment, you have permanent AFib.

Candice Kim Cardiology has monitoring devices that detect AFib and track the amount of time you spend in AFib, determining the type. 

What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?

Not everyone with AFib has symptoms, though heart palpitations are a common symptom. With palpitations, you may feel like your heart skips a beat or that it’s beating too fast. 

You may also feel light-headed or nauseous or have difficulty catching your breath. Chest pain is also a symptom of AFib. 

If you have heart palpitations, Dr. Kim runs tests to determine what’s causing the abnormal heartbeat. 

What tests diagnose atrial fibrillation?

Dr. Kim performs a thorough history and physical when you come in with concerns about an abnormal heartbeat or AFib. After reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and family history, she does a physical examination. 

She may run lab work and use monitoring devices or tools that measure and record your heart’s electrical activity to diagnose AFib and determine how long your heartbeat stays out of sync.

What are the treatments for atrial fibrillation?

Dr. Kim tailors your AFib treatment plan to match your needs. Treatment for AFib may include:

• Weight management
• Exercise program
• Stress management
• Beta-blockers to control heart rate
• Blood thinners to prevent blood clots
• Heart rhythm medications

Dr. Kim may also recommend various procedures to re-establish normal heart rhythm, such as electrical cardioversion or placement of a pacemaker.

For personalized management of your atrial fibrillation, call Candice Kim Cardiology or schedule an appointment online today.