Everything About Atrial Fibrillation
Treatment, prevention and living with atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder we know of, between 2.7 million to 6.1 million Americans have atrial fibrillation. Some patients suffer the condition constantly, but many others only have it for some periods at a time. Atrial fibrillation can increase your risk of blood clots, unfortunately often in the brain. Additionally atrial fibrillation can weaken the heart’s pumping power, contributing to the risk of heart failure.
My 25 years of experience working with atrial fibrillation has shown me that many patients lack access to simple sources to explain the condition. This increases their fear of the condition, and as doctors and other health professionals we are not always sensitive to this. That is the reason that I have developed the blog: Rhythm Doctor.
Categories
Symptoms
Symptoms of atrial fibrillation
Are you short of breath? Do you find it more difficult to exercise? Does your heartbeat feel restless? Or maybe you need to use the bathroom more often. If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have atrial fibrillation.
Treatment
Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
There are different ways to treat atrial fibrillation: medication, electric shock, ablation. It is also important to consider the risk of blood clots during treatment.
prevention
What you can do to avoid atrial fibrillation, or its progression
The risk of blood clots, particularly in the brain, is significantly increased by atrial fibrillation. Fortunately it is possible to take measures to reduce your risk of developing the condition through a combination of diet, exercise, and other measures.
Risk factors
Health and lifestyle can influence atrial fibrillation
There are a number of risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation. Some can be influenced, but not all.
Living with atrial fibrillation
Living with atrial fibrillation
While atrial fibrillation is unpleasant it is perfectly possible for sufferers to live a good life, enjoying all of the physical and social activities that are close to their hearts.
Symptoms of atrial fibrillation
Many people say that they experience a reduced quality of life due to atrial fibrillation. They can no longer do activities that they enjoyed, or their ability to concentrate is affected. Many patients also experience anxiety about their condition, and the complications that may develop.
However it is possible to achieve a high quality of life, despite your condition. Achieving this goal requires an understanding of atrial fibrillation and the various treatment methods, alongside some discipline on the part of the individual.
Quality of life and atrial fibrillation
For many, atrial fibrillation is associated with reduced quality of life and anxiety about the consequences. Fortunately, knowledge about atrial fibrillation, its consequences and proper treatment can enable you to have a good life – even if you have problems with your heart rhythm. Knowledge of atrial fibrillation, including an understanding of what the arrhythmia does to you – and what treatment options are available – is important in order to ensure a good quality of life.
PFA ablation works better than sham surgery in patients with atrial fibrillation
Read more: PFA ablation works better than sham surgery in patients with atrial fibrillationNew research shows that PFA ablation dramatically reduces atrial fibrillation recurrence and improves quality of life compared with a sham procedure.
Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation | EHRA 2026
Read more: Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation | EHRA 2026New research from EHRA 2026 shows that early ablation in persistent atrial fibrillation improves rhythm and quality of life compared to medication. Learn more about the CEPAF trial and its implications.
Video Collection: Treatment and Prevention
Read more: Video Collection: Treatment and PreventionThis video collection will give you a better understanding of the different types of treatment for atrial fibrillation, as well as the primary risk factors that you can do something about either through lifestyle changes or medication.
What Is Atrial Fibrillation (AF)?
Read more: What Is Atrial Fibrillation (AF)?What is Atrial Fibrillation? is the most commonly diagnosed form of arrhythmia. One in four of us will be diagnosed with AF
