Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart rhythm disorder than can disrupt your blood circulation. Some of the symptoms associated with AFib are dizziness and fainting. More serious complications include the formation of blood clots in your heart. Blood clots can break free, circulate to other parts of your body, and cause a stroke (brain) or pulmonary embolism (lungs).
At Dignity Health, our doctors are knowledgeable in the most advanced treatment protocols, including atrial fibrillation treatment in the Bay Area. Find a Doctor today for a consultation with a heart specialist.
The aim of any AFib treatment is to restore your normal heart rhythm, reduce the risk of blood clots, and if possible, address existing underlying causes. AFib treatment options include:
The exact treatment options your doctor recommends will depend on the specific details of your condition.
For example, if you have heart disease, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and prescribe you medicine to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. If, however, your AFib developed due to valve disease or a structural heart defect, surgery may be the recommended solution.
In discussing your treatment options with your Dignity Health doctor, you should ask about the following:
Your best treatment option will depend on your overall health, the severity of your symptoms, and how successful the treatment is likely to be in your specific circumstances.
Most AFib cases result from an underlying heart problem or heart-related condition. While it is not always possible to prevent AFib, you can reduce your risk of heart-related AFib by taking these steps:
Dignity Health offers state-of-the-art diagnostics and advanced treatments, including treatment for atrial fibrillation, in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Redwood CIty.