Atrial Fibrillation affects many in the Upper East Side, New York. It can cause problems such as blood clots, and if left untreated, it can lead to strokes. There are a variety of treatments for atrial fibrillation, depending on the severity of the condition and other factors. Schedule an appointment with an Upper East Side, atrial fibrillation specialist. Some of these treatments include medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes.
Medications for Atrial Fibrillation
Many medications can treat atrial fibrillation. The medication types include blood thinners, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and antiarrhythmics. Blood thinners are designed to prevent blood clots from forming during the heart’s atrial fibrillation episodes.
Beta-blockers are designed to slow down the heart rate and prevent atrial fibrillation from occurring. Calcium channel blockers help control some of the arrhythmia symptoms by stabilizing certain electrical impulses in the cardiovascular system. Anti—arrhythmias work by maintaining a person’s heart rate and rhythm.
Lifestyle Changes for Atrial Fibrillation
A variety of lifestyle changes can help treat atrial fibrillation. These include quitting smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and diet, and limiting stress. These changes can help prevent blood clots from forming in the heart and keep the heart rate under control.
Catheter Ablation
If medications are not effective in treating atrial fibrillation, surgery might be an option. Surgery can correct the cause of the irregular heartbeat and restore normal heart rhythm using a procedure called “Catheter Ablation.”
During this procedure, long thin tubes called catheters are inserted through a vein in the leg and positioned in the heart to help locate the origin of atrial fibrillation. Once this is done, small amounts of energy are then applied to these areas using a radio wave or cryotherapy to provide treatment.
Pacemaker Implantation
Pacemaker implantation is a surgical procedure used to treat heart rhythm problems. The device is implanted under the skin below the clavicle. It is a small, battery-operated machine that helps control the heartbeat. The pacemaker sends electrical impulses to the heart to help it beat at a regular rhythm.
Cardioversion
Cardioversion is a procedure that restores normal heart rhythm. It can treat atrial fibrillation, leading to strokes if left untreated. The process involves using an electric shock to reset the heart’s natural pacemaker and restore its regular rhythm.
A cardiologist performs this type of treatment and inserts two thin tubes called catheters into veins in the groin area or neck near the collarbone. One tube delivers electrical energy while the other records your heartbeat compared to after-treatment recordings.
A small amount of electrical current is then applied through one or both catheters, depending on where it originates from until your heart rate returns to normal. Your doctor may determine that your heart needs to be shocked several times before you return to a normal rhythm.
Atrial fibrillation is a condition that can lead to strokes if left untreated.
There are a variety of treatments for atrial fibrillation, depending on the severity of the situation and other factors. Some of these treatments include medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes. A cardiovascular disease specialist can guide you on the right treatments for your needs.
