If your AFib returns after a cardioversion, you may need additional medication or an ablation.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation -- the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia -- causes an irregular heartbeat that can increase your risk for stroke and heart failure. Atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) results from faulty signals produced by the heart's electrical system, causing the upper portion of the heart to fibrillate, or contract rapidly and irregularly. AFib doesn't cause noticeable symptoms for everyone. For those who do experience symptoms, heart palpitations are common along with feeling weak, dizzy and tired. Learn more about atrial fibrillation with expert advice from Sharecare.
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NorthShore University HealthSystem answeredSee All 4 AnswersAtrial fibrillation is the most common kind of heart arrhythmia, which is a problem with heart rate or rhythm. Over 2 million in the United States have atrial fibrillation, which is about 1 in every 150 people. By 2025, an estimated 3.3 million people will be hospitalized with atrial fibrillation. If you think that you may have atrial fibrillation, talk to your doctor.
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See All 6 AnswersEven if the atria (the upper chambers of your heart) are pumping too fast, medication can help control the rate of your overall heartbeat. They include:- beta blockers, which block the effects of certain hormones to slow down your heart rate
- calcium channel blockers, which lower your blood pressure and slow down your heart
- digoxin, which can slow your heart rate and help your heart pump more blood with each beat
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NorthShore University HealthSystem answeredSee All 7 Answers
There are three different kinds of atrial fibrillation: paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is a condition where the episodes of atrial fibrillation come and go suddenly, lasting anywhere from seconds to hours, with mild-to-severe symptoms. The heart will go back to its normal rhythm on its own.
In persistent atrial fibrillation, the heartbeat will be rapid and irregular until you see a doctor and have it treated.
The heart rhythms of people with permanent atrial fibrillation cannot become normal even with treatment, but they can be treated to slow their heart rates down. Permanent atrial fibrillation can develop from paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation.
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Citrus Memorial Hospital answeredSee All 3 AnswersA pacemaker can help atrial fibrillation by raising the heart rate if it begins to slow.
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Sigma Nursing answeredSee All 4 AnswersNot all people with chronic atrial fibrillation benefit from cardioversion. Some people's hearts cannot be reset to a normal rhythm.
A surgical option that might be appropriate for them is atrioventricular (AV) node ablation, a procedure that destroys the tissue in the node. After AV node ablation, electrical signals sent by the atria can no longer reach the ventricles, and a pacemaker is required in order to control the heart's rhythm. Blood-thinning drugs must be taken to reduce the risk of blood clots.
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Oak Hill Hospital answeredSee All 2 AnswersAnything that can stimulate the heart, like caffeine or certain medications, can trigger atrial fibrillation.