Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial Fibrillation
Complete AFib Care That Prevents Stroke and Heart Failure
Atrial fibrillation, called AFib or AF, is a type of heart rhythm disorder, or arrhythmia. It’s caused by a malfunction in the nerve cells that send electrical signals to regulate heartbeat, causing the upper chambers of the heart to quiver rather than beat normally. This creates an accumulation of blood in the heart that can lead to a blood clot, which can cause a stroke.
That’s why it’s so important to know the signs of AFib and see the physician when symptoms arise. Although there aren’t always symptoms, some people may notice one or more of the following:
- Fluttering in the chest, or a fast and irregular heartbeat
- Chest tightness or pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath and anxiety
- Sweating
- Weakness
The arrhythmia experts at Hackensack Meridian Health offer the latest, research-backed treatment for all types of atrial fibrillation, even the most serious requiring urgent care.
Working with our integrated network means patients receive comprehensive care from leading heart and vascular specialists who are involved in the latest research. Our two academic medical centers offer some of today’s most innovative, minimally invasive electrophysiology procedures and surgeries — treatments that aren’t widely available in New Jersey.
With advanced, coordinated services offered at community hospitals throughout the state, patients do not have to go far from home to get the highest level of heart and vascular care.
Did You Know?
The American Heart Association estimates that 15 to 20 percent of people who have strokes have AFib. Left untreated, AFib increases the risk of stroke by five times. Patients with atrial fibrillation trust the heart experts at Hackensack Meridian Health to prevent stroke and heart disease.
Diagnosing and Treating Atrial Fibrillation
Cardiologists use a variety of non-invasive cardiac diagnostic tests, such as electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) and heart monitoring devices, to find out what is causing AFib.
If further evaluation is necessary, we offer innovative minimally invasive procedures performed by expert electrophysiologists, like electrophysiology studies (EPS) using 3-D mapping technology. Sometimes we can diagnose and fix atrial fibrillation in a single procedure.
Other non-invasive, minimally invasive and surgical treatments for AFib include:
- Cardioversion – Procedure that involves an electric shock delivered through paddles or electrodes on the chest, with or without medication
- Catheter ablation – Minimally invasive approach that destroys the heart tissue disrupting the heart’s normal electrical activity
- Heart surgery – Leading-edge, minimally invasive techniques such as the Maze procedure or WATCHMAN™ implant
- Medicines – To control heart-rate or thin blood to reduce the risk of blot clots
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