Atrial Fibrillation Specialist
To prevent more serious health issues due to atrial fibrillation, the skilled team of board-certified cardiologists at Advanced Heart Care offers on-site diagnostics and comprehensive treatment plans. At both the Belleville and Fairview Heights, Illinois, locations, you can find the latest technologies for a fast and accurate diagnosis. The medical team also tailors treatments to meet your needs, offering medication therapies and surgery to improve your heart health. Find out more about treating and preventing atrial fibrillation today by calling the Advanced Heart Care office nearest you, or you can book an appointment online now.
Atrial Fibrillation Q & A
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. Dysfunction in the electrical system of your heart is the primary cause of atrial fibrillation, which makes your heart beat faster than normal.
Your heart is made up of four chambers that work together to efficiently pump blood to the other areas of your body. When you have atrial fibrillation, the upper and lower chambers don’t work together, resulting in a lack of blood circulating to your lungs and other organs.
Due to this lack of blood flow, you can develop several symptoms that interfere with your quality of life. If left untreated, atrial fibrillation can lead to chronic illness and life-threatening health complications.
What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?
You can have atrial fibrillation without any symptoms. When symptoms develop, you may experience them only on occasion, or they may be frequent and severe.
Common symptoms of atrial fibrillation include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Low blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
Without treatment, your risk for stroke and heart failure increase.
How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?
During your evaluation, your Advanced Heart Care physician reviews your personal and family medical history and performs a physical exam.
Heart testing may also be necessary to identify the cause of atrial fibrillation and to evaluate the overall health of your heart, especially if you already have heart issues. Your physician may order diagnostic testing, such as electrocardiograms (ECGs or EKGs) and chest X-rays, which are available on-site at Advanced Heart Care.
What treatments are available for atrial fibrillation?
Initially, your Advanced Heart Care provider may suggest lifestyle changes to prevent your heart condition from worsening. These changes may include:
- Eating healthy
- Quitting smoking
- Getting daily exercise
Medications, such as beta-blockers or blood thinners, may be necessary to prevent blood clots that cause a stroke or a heart attack.
If lifestyle modifications and medicines aren’t enough, your Advanced Heart Care physician may recommend surgery to remove damaged heart tissue that triggers an arrhythmia.
The goal of treatment for atrial fibrillation is to restore normal heart rhythm and prevent other complications that affect your heart and overall health.
If you have an irregular heartbeat or if heart issues run in your family, schedule an evaluation today at Advanced Heart Care by using the online booking system or by calling the office nearest you.