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Q: My husband has an irregular heartbeat, a condition his doctor called “atrial fibrillation.” He is 55 years old and in fairly good health, but I am worried that this could become a serious problem. Is this condition something that needs to be treated? If so, what are his options?
A: The short answer to your question is yes, atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition that can, and in many cases should, be treated. The best treatment, however, depends on many factors.
Many people don’t even notice that they have AF. Others may notice an irregular or rapid heartbeat or a “fluttering” sensation in the chest. People who have heart problems in addition to AF may experience fatigue, shortness of breath and exercise intolerance. Lightheadedness, confusion and sometimes even fainting may signal a substantial fall in blood pressure due to AF.
In some people, AF is not serious and requires minimal treatment. In others, AF can be dangerous if not treated. It can put people at risk for heart failure, angina and stroke. Luckily, successful treatments are available to help to prevent these complications.
There are three major strategies for treating AF: controlling the heart rate, restoring a normal heart rhythm, and using a medication called an anticoagulant.
A doctor’s first choice in treating AF is often to try to control the heart rate. Medication can slow down the racing heartbeat in nearly all people with AF.
Some people with AF may also benefit from rhythm control. The fastest and most effective way to restore the heart’s rhythm is with an electric shock. Though the word “shock” seems scary, the process doctors use to treat AF involves only a small, brief pulse of electric current that is quite safe.
Doctors may also prescribe drugs to restore and maintain a person’s heart rhythm. The choice of medication is tricky and may have severe side effects. Amiodarone is frequently the drug of choice. Other specialized drugs are available, but all of the rhythm-stabilizers can have side effects. That’s why cardiologists are usually best suited to manage rhythm control, while primary care physicians are able to manage rate control.
If you’re thinking that AF is complicated, you’re right. But the bottom line is straightforward and important. Your husband’s doctors should: (1) check for things that might have triggered his AF; (2) get his heart rate under control, and discuss the pros and cons of trying to restore a normal heart rhythm; and (3) take steps to prevent a stroke. Think of these three steps as the ABC of AF.
Q: My husband has an irregular heartbeat, a condition his doctor called “atrial fibrillation.” He is 55 years old and in fairly good health, but I am worried that this could become a serious problem. Is this condition something that needs to be treated? If so, what are his options?
A: The short answer to your question is yes, atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition that can, and in many cases should, be treated. The best treatment, however, depends on many factors.
Many people don’t even notice that they have AF. Others may notice an irregular or rapid heartbeat or a “fluttering” sensation in the chest. People who have heart problems in addition to AF may experience fatigue, shortness of breath and exercise intolerance. Lightheadedness, confusion and sometimes even fainting may signal a substantial fall in blood pressure due to AF.
In some people, AF is not serious and requires minimal treatment. In others, AF can be dangerous if not treated. It can put people at risk for heart failure, angina and stroke. Luckily, successful treatments are available to help to prevent these complications.
There are three major strategies for treating AF: controlling the heart rate, restoring a normal heart rhythm, and using a medication called an anticoagulant.
A doctor’s first choice in treating AF is often to try to control the heart rate. Medication can slow down the racing heartbeat in nearly all people with AF.
Some people with AF may also benefit from rhythm control. The fastest and most effective way to restore the heart’s rhythm is with an electric shock. Though the word “shock” seems scary, the process doctors use to treat AF involves only a small, brief pulse of electric current that is quite safe.
Doctors may also prescribe drugs to restore and maintain a person’s heart rhythm. The choice of medication is tricky and may have severe side effects. Amiodarone is frequently the drug of choice. Other specialized drugs are available, but all of the rhythm-stabilizers can have side effects. That’s why cardiologists are usually best suited to manage rhythm control, while primary care physicians are able to manage rate control.
If you’re thinking that AF is complicated, you’re right. But the bottom line is straightforward and important. Your husband’s doctors should: (1) check for things that might have triggered his AF; (2) get his heart rate under control, and discuss the pros and cons of trying to restore a normal heart rhythm; and (3) take steps to prevent a stroke. Think of these three steps as the ABC of AF.
