At Mount Carmel, we combine advanced heart rhythm treatment with compassionate, personalized care. Our collaborative team of cardiac electrophysiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons will work with you to determine the best approach for your unique circumstances. Depending on your treatment plan, you may work with the same surgeon or electrophysiologist for your procedure and follow-up care, helping provide consistency throughout your experience.
Your Mount Carmel physician will also stay connected with your primary care provider so your care remains coordinated.
Patients choose Mount Carmel for AFib care because we offer:
- Experienced heart rhythm specialists
- Collaborative cardiovascular care
- Advanced treatment options, including AFib ablation
- Multiple convenient heart and vascular locations
- Coordinated follow-up care
- Compassionate support throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery
AFib symptoms may be mild, occasional or severe.
Symptoms can include:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart palpitations
- Fast heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Chest discomfort
- Trouble exercising or completing normal activities
If you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, sudden weakness, confusion or symptoms of stroke, seek emergency care right away.
What Causes AFib?
AFib is caused by abnormal electrical signals in the heart. These signals interfere with the heart’s normal rhythm and cause the atria to beat irregularly.
Common causes and risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disease
- Prior heart attack
- Heart failure
- Sleep apnea
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Thyroid problems
- Excess alcohol use
- Family history of AFib
- Aging
AFib can also be triggered by illness, stress, dehydration, certain medications or alcohol. In some cases, the exact cause may not be clear.
Treatment for AFib depends on your symptoms, overall health, stroke risk and the type of AFib you have. Your care team may recommend one or more treatment options.
Medication
Medications may be used to:
- Control heart rate
- Help maintain a normal heart rhythm
- Reduce the risk of stroke or blood clots
Common medication categories may include blood thinners, rate control medications and rhythm control medications. Your physician will help determine what is appropriate for your condition.
Lifestyle Changes
Healthy lifestyle changes can help reduce AFib symptoms and lower the risk of future episodes. These may include:
- Managing high blood pressure
- Treating sleep apnea
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Limiting alcohol
- Reducing caffeine if it triggers symptoms
- Staying physically active as recommended by your doctor
- Managing stress
- Following a heart-healthy diet
Cardioversion
Cardioversion is a treatment that helps restore a normal heart rhythm. It may involve medication or a controlled electrical shock delivered under medical supervision.
Catheter Ablation
Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat certain types of AFib. It targets the abnormal electrical signals that cause irregular heart rhythms.
Surgery or Advanced Procedures
In some cases, patients may need a surgical or advanced procedural approach. Mount Carmel’s collaborative team of electrophysiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons can help determine the best treatment plan for your needs.
Recommended internal links:
- Electrophysiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
AFib Ablation
AFib ablation is a procedure used to treat abnormal electrical signals in the heart. During catheter ablation, a specialist guides thin tubes called catheters through blood vessels to the heart. Energy is then used to treat small areas of heart tissue that are triggering the irregular rhythm.
AFib ablation may help:
- Reduce AFib episodes
- Improve symptoms
- Improve quality of life
- Reduce reliance on some medications for certain patients
Not everyone with AFib needs ablation. Your Mount Carmel care team will review your symptoms, health history and test results to determine whether ablation is right for you.
What You Need to Know About Atrial Fibrillation
Understanding atrial fibrillation (AFib) is crucial for your heart health. In this episode, Dr. Laura Gravlin, a cardiac electrophysiologist, explains what AFib is, how it affects the heart, and why awareness is vital. Dive into the nuances of this condition and learn how you can manage your heart health effectively.
