Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) Treatment Options

Talk to an EP to learn more about the best treatment option for you.

Factors that may be considered in your AFib treatment plan include:

The nature or cause of the arrhythmia (where it starts in your heart)
The severity of the arrhythmia
The severity of your symptoms
Medications you take
Your age, overall health, and personal and family medical history
Other health problems you may have

Medications

Most AFib patients are initially prescribed medications to restore their heart rhythm, manage the symptoms of AFib, or minimize their risk of stroke.

Medications may include:

AFib Rate Control Heart Medications

Calcium channel blockers- interrupts the movement of calcium into your heart and blood vessel tissues to slow your heart rate
Beta blockers- slows your heart rate, relax your blood vessels and make it easier for your heart to pump blood

AFib Rhythm Control Heart Medications

Sodium channel blockers - slows the electrical conductivity of your heart to improve rhythm problems.
Antiarrhythmic medication - works to restore and/or maintain normal sinus rhythm

Blood Thinners

Anticoagulant medication - reduces the risk of blood clots and stroke

Medications may cause unwanted side effects and may not work for everyone.

Cardioversion

A cardioversion is a controlled low-dose shock to the heart to convert abnormal rhythm to sinus rhythm. It is typically performed under sedation in a hospital setting such as an emergency room, intensive care unit, recovery room, special procedure room or electrophysiology lab. Oftentimes, your AFib may return after a cardioversion.

Catheter Ablation

Catheter ablation is recommended by the American College of Cardiology, the Heart Rhythm Society and the American Heart Association for patients when medication proves to be unsuccessful. Catheter ablation is a procedure to restore the heart’s incorrect electrical signals which cause an abnormal heart rhythm.

Most patients who receive catheter ablation treatment experience a long-term reduction in the number of episodes of arrhythmia and the severity of symptoms and feel an improvement in their quality of life.²

Learn more about catheter ablation

Get Smart About AFib

As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. Only a cardiologist or electrophysiologist can determine whether ablation is an appropriate course of treatment. There are potential risks including bleeding, swelling or bruising at the catheter insertion site, and infection. More serious complications are rare, which can include damage to the heart or blood vessels; blood clots (which may lead to stroke); heart attack, or death. These risks need to be discussed with your doctor and recovery takes time. The success of this procedure depends on many factors, including your physical condition and your body's ability to tolerate the procedure. Use care in the selection of your doctors and hospital, based on their skill and experience.