Atrial Fibrillation
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial Fibrillation, also referred to as AFib, is an irregular and often rapid heartbeat that is commonly described as a “fluttering” or “pounding” sensation. If left untreated, it can lead to blood clots, heart failure, stroke and other heart-related complications.
It’s one of the most common heart rhythm problems among adults in the U.S., impacting about 9% of people age 65 or older and 2% of people under age 65. It’s common in people who have other heart conditions, such as atherosclerosis and high blood pressure (hypertension).
What are the Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation?
Although atrial fibrillation doesn’t always present symptoms, some of its more common symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Sensations of a fluttering or pounding heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
How We Diagnose Atrial Fibrillation
Diagnosing atrial fibrillation (AFib) involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional that typically includes a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and a variety of specialized tests, including an electrocardiogram (EKG). In addition to the EKG, other tests may include an echocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, a chest X-ray, and a stress test. The primary goal is to confirm the presence of AFib, identify any underlying causes, and assess the risk of complications such as stroke.
Heart Screenings, Prevention and Diagnostics
Heart screenings, prevention tools and diagnostic tests are all services offered by our cardiology specialists to help understand a patient’s heart condition or risk of heart disease, as well as what prevention or treatment options should be used.
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How We Treat Atrial Fibrillation
It’s critical to manage atrial fibrillation to reduce your risk of heart failure, stroke and other heart-related complications. We use the most current treatments and technologies available to treat atrial fibrillation, including:
- Cardiac ablation to block irregular electrical signals in the heart
- Medications to regulate the heartbeat
- Healthy diet and lifestyle to slow the heart rate and decrease blood pressure
- Left atrial appendage closure (LAAO) to help prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation (such as the Watchman device)
- Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) uses brief, powerful electrical pulses to precisely destroy problematic heart tissue without using the extreme heat or cold of traditional methods.
Our Doctors
The combination of expert surgeons, advanced technology and array of heart care services makes Hackensack Meridian Health a trusted choice for patients and families in New Jersey.
Why Choose Us for Heart Care
Our heart experts perform New Jersey's most successful minimally invasive heart surgeries. Hackensack University Medical Center has earned the distinction of being the best Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery program in NJ from U.S. News & World Report, 2023.
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