Atrial fibrillation, or Afib, is a cardiac condition that causes an excessively fast heart rhythm. AFib is caused by issues with an individual’s heart’s electrical activity. It causes the heart to pump blood inefficiently, increasing the risk of blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other complications. Furthermore, strokes caused by AFib are more severe and fatal. If a person has Upper East Side atrial fibrillation, they may have the following symptoms:
- Breathing difficulty
- Palpitations
- Chest discomfort
Procedures to Treat AFib
If medications do not work or have adverse effects, you might consider one of two treatments: cardioversion or ablation. These are non-surgical treatments for AFib.
1. Electrical cardioversion: The physician shocks your heart to correct its rhythm. They will utilize paddles or place electrode patches on your chest. First, you will be given sleeping medication. The paddles are then positioned on your chest and, in some cases, your back by your doctor. These will provide a modest electrical shock to your heart to restore its natural beat. Most individuals require only one shock. You won’t recall being stunned since you are medicated. You may generally leave on the same day. Your skin may get inflamed where the paddles make contact. Your doctor might recommend a lotion to relieve discomfort or itching.
2. Catheter ablation, also known as radiofrequency or pulmonary vein ablation: This is a less invasive ablation method that does not require surgery. Your doctor puts a tiny, flexible tube into a blood vessel in your leg or neck. They then direct it to your heart. When it reaches the location producing the arrhythmia, it emits electrical impulses that kill the cells. The treated tissue aids in the restoration of your heartbeat.
3. Maze operation: This is typically performed while undergoing open-heart surgery for another issue, such as a bypass or valve replacement. The doctor produces small incisions in the upper region of your heart. They are sewn together to generate scar tissue, which prevents aberrant impulses.
4. Convergent operation: In the pulmonary vein, the doctor employs radiofrequency ablation, and a surgeon creates a tiny cut beneath your breastbone to put radiofrequency radiation on the exterior of your heart.
5. AV node ablation: The clinician may place a catheter into a vein in the thigh and glide it up to the AV node during this surgery (a nerve that conducts electrical impulses between the top and bottom heart’s chambers). To damage the AV node, radiofrequency radiation is delivered through the catheter. The impulses are therefore prevented from reaching the ventricle.
You may be wondering how Afib feels. Some persons with Afib do not exhibit any symptoms. It is determined by the rate at which your ventricles beat. You won’t feel anything if they are beating at a regular or slightly higher rate. However, if your ventricles begin to pulse quicker, you will start to feel symptoms. If you experience symptoms, note when they occur and notify your healthcare professional immediately. Call Upper East Side Cardiology or book your consultation online to determine which atrial fibrillation procedure suits you.
