Atrial fibrillation treatments vary depending upon the particular patient and their symptoms, and if you’ve been recently diagnosed with AFib, you may be confused about what your diagnosis actually means. This guide will help brief you on possible treatment scenarios so that you can confidently discuss your options with your doctor.
Preparing for your AFib treatment
Atrial fibrillation treatments are typically selected to meet a specific goal related to your symptoms. It’s important that you discuss your treatment plan in detail with your doctor so you understand the primary purpose of the treatment. Most often, AFib treatment plans are designed to prevent blood clots that can cause strokes, to restore a normal heart rate, or to restore a normal heart rhythm. Once you understand the purpose of your specific treatment plan, you can watch closely for changes in symptoms and talk to your doctor about adjustments as necessary.
What to know about the treatment process
In many cases, your cardiac electrophysiologist may prescribe medication to correct any of the three issues discussed above. Anticoagulant medications used to prevent blood clots are especially important for many AFib patients because they are often the best way to guard against a deadly stroke.
If medication does not effectively restore your heart rhythm, or you are ineligible for medicated treatment, your doctor may suggest procedural treatment options. These include such options as catheter ablation, pacemakers, the WATCHMAN Device, cryoablation, and defibrillators.
Handling the aftermath of your AFib treatment
Once you are back from your doctor’s office, it’s up to you to understand how to get the best results out of your AFib treatment plan and follow through with it correctly. It’s vital that you inform your doctor of any lapses in the effectiveness of your treatment.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also has a significant effect on the efficacy of your treatment. During this time, it’s especially important to maintain a healthy diet, refrain from alcohol and tobacco use, and abide by your doctor’s recommendations for physical activity.
Contact Heart Rhythm Consultants, P.A.
If you or a loved one are living with a heart rhythm disorder such as atrial fibrillation, contact Heart Rhythm Consultants, P.A. Our team of EP doctors have been serving patients in Sarasota and surrounding cities including Venice, Tampa, and Sun City Center for over a decade.
