Is paroxysmal atrial fibrillation treated by a critical care specialist?

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) may be treated by a critical care specialist, specifically a cardiac critical care specialist. However, having PAF does not mean you have to be in critical care. In fact, some patients with PAF may be managed on an outpatient basis.

There are a lot of considerations that go into the treatment and management of atrial fibrillation. It is best to be treated by a specialist who is trained on an ongoing basis in the care and management of atrial fibrillation. In fact, sometimes patients may need to see an Electrophysiologist who is a cardiologist with special training in the electrical system of the heart. It is the electrical system of the heart that is not working ideally in atrial fibrillation.

If diagnosed by an EKG by your primary care provider, you will likely be referred to see a cardiologist for further evaluation and perhaps, more testing. Cardiologists can (and do) work in critical care but unless your afib is causing you symptoms that would require a hospital admission into critical care, it is more likely that you will be seen as an out-patient in the cardiologist's office.