Atrial fibrillation, also known as AF or AFib, is the most common type of arrhythmia and is often underdiagnosed. The CDC estimates that about 12 million people in the United States will have atrial fibrillation by 2030. Our qualified team of providers can diagnose and manage atrial fibrillation, work to improve symptoms, and assist in modifying risk factors that can cause and worsen the progression of atrial fibrillation.
The heart has two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles). In normal rhythm, the heartbeat begins in the sinoatrial (SA) node, which is the heart’s natural pacemaker in the right upper chamber. The SA node sends out an electrical signal that causes the atria to contract. This signal then moves throughout the heart’s electrical conduction system, later causing the ventricles to contract. In atrial fibrillation, the electrical signal starts at a site in the upper chambers other than the SA node, and it leads to the atria beating fast and irregularly. At times, atrial fibrillation can lead to other serious conditions such as stroke and heart failure.
Several factors can lead to atrial fibrillation. If you have any of the following conditions, you may be at a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
Coronary artery disease
Diabetes
Excessive alcohol intake
Heart failure
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Metabolic syndrome/insulin resistance
Obesity
Old age
Overactive thyroid
Untreated sleep apnea
Valvular heart disease
If you have a family history of atrial fibrillation, you have a higher chance of having atrial fibrillation even if you do not have any of the above conditions. We will work with you to identify and modify/treat your risk factors.
Many people with atrial fibrillation feel no symptoms and may not even know that they have AF. Other people may have symptoms occurring on an intermittent or persistent basis and may experience any combination of the following symptoms.
If you have persistent chest pain or shortness of breath, please seek medical care right immediately, as these symptoms could be indicative of a more serious cardiac condition.
Unless a person is symptomatic, atrial fibrillation often goes undiagnosed until it is incidentally found during a routine physical exam, echocardiogram, or stress test. If a person is having symptoms, various diagnostic tests can be used to assist in diagnosing atrial fibrillation.
The most common type of test is an electrocardiogram (EKG), which involves patches being placed on the chest to get a real-time view of the electrical activity of the heart. This test can be performed at any of our locations.
If your symptoms are coming and going, we may also recommend additional heart monitoring to assist with diagnosis. Depending on your risk factors and overall medical history, we may also recommend additional testing such as an echocardiogram, stress testing, sleep apnea evaluation, and/or blood tests.
Once you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, our providers will work with you to develop a treatment plan. Your treatment options will depend on how long you’ve had AF, if the AF is intermittent or persistent, what symptoms you have, what your risk factors are, and what underlying medical conditions you have.
Risk factor modification
Medications
Procedures
Heart of Dixie Cardiology is a specialty subset of the Revere Health group. We have over a dozen cardiology providers throughout our locations to give you the specialized heart care that you deserve.
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