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Everything You Need To Know About Atrial Fibrillation Treatment – All Insurance Accepted

Everything You Need To Know About Atrial Fibrillation Treatment – All Insurance Accepted

When blood is pumped to the body by the heart the two upper chambers beat at once and then the bottom two beat. These beats are controlled by the heart’s electrical system and have to remain in sync for proper blood flow to occur. Atrial fibrillation happens when a number of abnormal impulses fire off at the same time and this forces the heart to beat fast and erratically.  Blood can not get to the rest of the heart and body properly. Maintaining a normal heart rhythm is the aim of atrial fibrillation treatments. Some  options are:

 

Medications

Everything You Need To Know About Atrial Fibrillation Treatment – All Insurance AcceptedAntiarryhtmic medicines help maintain a normal heart rhythm. Some of these include beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. Most are tolerated quite well with minimal side effects. You will need to be closely monitored as you begin a new medication and over time it may become a less effective atrial fibrillation treatment and a new medication will be needed. Some doctors also choose to put their patients on anticoagulant medication to prevent blood clots.

Lifestyle Changes

A number of lifestyle changes can make a big difference in how you feel. Limiting caffeine, alcohol and decongestants can prevent an atrial fibrillation episode. Regular exercise done at a low to moderate level can strengthen the heart.

Surgery

When other options have been tried with little or no success surgery may be the only option. Ablation of the central AV node in the heart where the electrical impulses occur can prevent an abnormal heart rate from occuring. Pacemakers regulate heart rate if needed and during an episode, cardioversion can shock the heart back into it’s normal rhythm.

Atrial fibrillation can be dangerous in some people because of the increased clotting risk that occurs when the heart beats irregularly and fast. This can lead to an increased chance of stroke, heart attack or organ failure. Heart failure can also occur if atrial fibrillation is left untreated and the heart weakens over time from all of the additional stress.

Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site.  Call us at (212) 367-8000.

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