AFib Symptoms: Heart Palpitations
AFib Symptoms: Heart Palpitations
AFib Symptoms: Reduced Ability to Exercise
AFib Patient Icon: When to Seek Medical Attention for AFib

When to Seek Medical Attention for AFib

Treating AFib: When should I see a doctor or go to the hospital?

If you suspect that you may have AFib, it is important to contact your doctor immediately. AFib is a progressive disease that may get worse over time so early diagnosis and treatment is essential for overcoming this global epidemic.

If left untreated, AFib can lead to other conditions including heart failure, stroke and death. AFib becomes harder to treat as symptoms become more severe.

Listen to your body and find the right doctor. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Understand Silent AFib Icon: Can you be in AFib without knowing it?

Understanding Silent AFib

Silent AFib: Can you be in AFib without knowing it?

Despite all the current efforts, silent AFib is still widely under-diagnosed.2 One-third of people with AFib do not experience any symptoms. This is known as silent AFib.

Fortunately, new and advanced diagnostic tools are now widely available and can help to detect silent AFib.2

Types of Doctors for AFib

AFib Doctors: What types of doctors diagnose and treat AFib?

Many different doctors, including a primary care physician, cardiologist, and electrophysiologist may be involved in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. After reviewing your health history and conducting a physical exam, your doctor may use an EKG, Holter and Event Monitors, or a Stress Test to diagnose AFib.1

AFib Primary Care Physician Icon

Primary Care Physician

Practices general medicine, perform check-ups, and provide routine medical care.

Are often the first point of contact for many patients and may be involved the diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation.

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Cardiologist

Specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the cardiovascular system.

May refer patients to electrophysiologists and are often involved in management of Atrial Fibrillation.

AFib Cardiac Electrophysiologist Icon

Cardiac Electrophysiologist (EP)

A cardiologist with extensive training in heart arrhythmias. Specializes in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of heart arrhythmias, including Atrial Fibrillation and are the recommended cardiologist to perform a catheter ablation procedure.

Understanding EP: Specialized AFib Care with Heart Rhythm Experts

What are Cardiac Electrophysiologists (EPs)?

Electrophysiologists vs. Cardiologists Icon

Electrophysiologists vs. Cardiologists

What training does a cardiac electrophysiologist (EP) have compared to a cardiologist?

A cardiologist has at least 10 years of medical training that includes 4 years of medical school, 3 years of training in internal medicine, and 3 or more of training in cardiovascular disease.3

A cardiac electrophysiologist is a specialized cardiologist that completes an additional 2 years of training beyond that required for board certification in cardiology. They are certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in the specialty of cardiovascular disease.

An electrophysiologist has the specialized education and experience needed to do advanced cardiac-related procedures to treat conditions such as atrial fibrillation.

When to See Electrophysiologist Icon

What does a cardiac electrophysiologist (EP) do?

When is it time to consult an electrophysiologist?

Cardiac electrophysiologists test for, diagnose, and treat abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. Electrophysiologists need know how the heart works, what kind of arrhythmias there are, and what may cause them.3

Electrophysiologists can provide special procedures such as cardiac catheter ablation to fix heart rhythm problems.

Your primary care doctor or cardiologist may refer you to a cardiac electrophysiologist. It is important to seek treatment with a cardiac electrophysiologist as soon as possible. If left untreated, AFib can lead to other conditions including heart failure, stroke and death.

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Find an AFib specialist in your area who understands your unique needs and can provide the specialized care you deserve.