Atrial Fibrillation, or AFib, affects millions of Americans and ranks as the most common type of irregular heartbeat. The condition occurs when the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat erratically or too quickly, causing the lower chambers to pump irregularly. While AFib itself typically isn’t life-threatening, it can create serious complications when other heart problems are present. Dr. Noori, a recommended electrophysiologist, provides targeted treatments for patients dealing with this cardiac rhythm disorder.
A Comprehensive Guide to AFib Ablation
Points to Understand AFib:
Prevalence:
AFib is the most common arrhythmia, affecting over two million people in the U.S. It can appear as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or persist over time.
Causes:
While some young adults may have AFib, it’s often seen with advancing age and conditions like high blood pressure, coronary disease, and heart failure. Abnormal electrical signals in the heart tissue can trigger an irregular heartbeat.
Complications:
One concern with AF patients is blood clots, which can increase stroke risk if not treated.
Treatment:
Medications can help control heart rate and reduce the risk of blood clots. If medicines aren’t enough, procedures like AFib ablation are an option. Catheter ablation, also called atrial fibrillation ablation or cardiac ablation, is a minimally invasive procedure. It uses radiofrequency or extreme cold to create tiny scars in heart tissue, blocking faulty signals and helping the heart return to a normal rhythm.
How AFib Ablation Works
During the procedure, a flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart. The catheter tip delivers energy to the pulmonary veins or other affected areas in the left atrial appendage. This helps isolate abnormal signals and prevent AF from coming back.
Sometimes additional ablation is needed if the first treatment doesn’t fully control the irregular heartbeat. In certain cases, AV node ablation or surgical options like the maze procedure may be considered.
Benefits of Catheter Ablation
Catheter ablation can reduce AF symptoms and may decrease the need for antiarrhythmic drugs or blood thinners. Studies have shown that isolating the pulmonary veins and targeting abnormal signals can help selected AF patients keep a normal rhythm and feel better overall.
Risks and Considerations
Like any procedure, ablation comes with some risks. These can include pulmonary vein stenosis, cardiac arrest, scar tissue formation, or other heart rhythm issues. Patients with heart failure or other conditions may face a higher risk. Ablation should be discussed alongside other treatments to decide what’s best for each person.
Getting Ready for Your Procedure
Before ablation, patients usually follow instructions on medications like blood thinners or antiarrhythmic drugs. The procedure typically lasts a few hours. Recovery and follow-up care depend on the patient’s overall health and heart condition.
Every ablation is tailored, including where the catheter is placed, how electrical signals are mapped, and how the procedure is performed, to match the patient’s heart rhythm disorder.
Other Service We Offer:
Got questions about Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?
The main concern is the formation of blood clots in the atria, which can dislodge and cause strokes.
Medications help in lowering the heart rate and thinning the blood, preventing complications like heart failure and blood clots.
For patients where anti-arrhythmic medications aren’t effective or cause side effects, procedural options like AFib ablation, offered by specialists like Dr. Noori, are available.
As with any procedure, there are risks, but they are minimal when performed by experienced professionals. Discuss potential risks and benefits with Dr. Noori
Consultation:
Engage with Dr. Noori to discuss your AFib condition, understand its implications, and explore treatment options.
Pre-Procedure Assessment:
Undergo necessary tests to determine the severity of AFib and the best course of action.
Procedure Preparation:
No food or water at least 8 hours before the procedure, stop any blood thinners 24 hours in advance, and ensure you wear comfortable clothing.
Recovery:
Receive guidance on post-procedure care, medications, and lifestyle changes to ensure a smooth recovery.
Follow-Up:
Regular check-ups with Dr. Noori to monitor heart rhythm and ensure the continued success of the procedure.
Get in touch today
At CEPI, we’re always here to assist you. Whether you have questions about our services, need to schedule an appointment, or simply want to learn more about cardiac electrophysiology, our team is ready to help.
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