Our approach to atrial fibrillation treatment
Overview
Our providers have the experience necessary to provide comprehensive and contemporary treatment options for atrial fibrillation (AFib). Our approach is based on four pillars of care:
Restoring and maintaining a normal sinus rhythm
Most people have a better quality of life - and in many cases, experience less risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke - with sinus rhythm maintenance and AFib suppression. We employ a number of different treatment options to lower your burden of atrial fibrillation, including:
- Anti-arrhythmic medications are designed to suppress AFib and promote normal rhythm.
- Cardioversion - A non-invasive procedure performed to terminate AFib and restore normal heart rhythm.
- Catheter ablation - A minimally invasive, safe and effective procedure designed to reduce the amount of AFib you experience over time. We offer various different types of ablation options for AFib, including:
- Pulsed field catheter ablation
- Radiofrequency catheter ablation
- Hybrid surgical ablation
Controlling the heart rate during episodes of AFib
Rapid heart rates are common in untreated AFib, with symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest discomfort and dizziness. Untreated AFib can result in a weakening of the heart muscle over time, which ultimately leads to congestive heart failure. We utilize several different tools to ensure that your heart rates are controlled when you have episodes of AFib, including:
- Rate-controlling medications, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers.
- Implanted cardiac devices, such as pacemakers and loop recorders.
- Ablation of the AV node is done in combination with pacemaker implantation when medications have not been sufficient to control AFib.
Minimizing stroke risk
The risk for stroke is five times higher in individuals with AFib. We assess your individual stroke risk and reduce that risk using:
- Anticoagulation medications, or blood thinners, to prevent clot formation in the heart.
- Left atrial appendage closure - A procedure designed to reduce your risk of stroke when blood-thinning medications cannot be used.
Risk factors and lifestyle modification
In addition to the medications and procedures above, various lifestyle and risk factor modifications can reduce your burden of atrial fibrillation. These include weight loss, sleep apnea and high blood pressure treatment, exercise, healthy eating, and avoidance of AFib triggers such as heavy alcohol use and stress. In our AFib clinics, we collaborate with other providers to help you manage all AFib risk factors and design a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Innovations in AFib treatment
Our team is at the forefront of AFib clinical research, offering cutting-edge technologies for ablation and other advanced therapies. We regularly present at national and international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
Piedmont Heart is focused on improving care and outcomes through research and discovery, including atrial fibrillation clinical trials.
Make an appointment
Athens: 706.475.1700
Atlanta: 404.605.2888
Augusta: 706.724.3473