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Our Services / Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation

By 2030, more than 12 million people are expected to have atrial fibrillation. At ARK Cardiovascular & Arrhythmia Center, the team of renowned cardiovascular specialists offers dedicated care in offices in Dearborn, Detroit, and Trenton, Michigan, and a diagnostic and imaging center in Trenton. Click on the provided link, or call the office nearest to you to schedule your appointment now.


Atrial Fibrillation Q & A

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is an erratic heartbeat. Many people with atrial fibrillation also have a very rapid heartbeat — higher than 100 beats per minute.

Atrial fibrillation episodes can occur occasionally, or they may be persistent. Ultimately, untreated atrial fibrillation can cause permanent heart rhythm changes.

What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation? 

Atrial fibrillation can cause symptoms that include: 

  • Fluttering or pounding feeling in your chest
  • Chest pain
  • Dizzy spells
  • Tiredness
  • Weakness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Rapid fatigue during exercise

These symptoms can range from mildly irritating or quite intrusive, but regardless of what issues you experience, it’s important to seek treatment for atrial fibrillation.

Why does atrial fibrillation require treatment?

Atrial fibrillation is a serious condition that requires treatment. This condition can cause blood pooling in your heart’s topmost chambers, where it can form clots. 

A clot can break away, moving into your bloodstream and potentially sticking in the artery that feeds your brain. This, in turn, can cause a stroke, so atrial fibrillation is a serious condition that requires medical management. 

People with untreated atrial fibrillation have a five times higher risk of stroke.

How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?

Atrial fibrillation diagnosis often happens during a regular check-up, as the doctor listens to your heart using a stethoscope. You may need other tests, including: 

  • Blood tests
  • Chest X-ray
  • Electrocardiogram
  • Nuclear stress test
  • Echocardiogram
  • Holter monitor
  • Event recorder

These tests can rule out other conditions and narrow down the cause of your symptoms. ARK Cardiovascular & Arrhythmia Center has a dedicated diagnostic and imaging center where you can get any tests you need in a comfortable setting. 

How is atrial fibrillation treated?

Atrial fibrillation treatment at ARK Cardiovascular & Arrhythmia Center can help to reset your heart rhythm, maintain a normal heart rate, and prevent blood clots. Your specific treatment approach depends on your symptoms, how long you’ve had atrial fibrillation, and the root cause of the issue.

The most common approaches include medication and cardioversion therapy to reset your heart rhythm. You may need catheter ablation to destroy the part of the heart causing your atrial fibrillation. In some cases, you could also need a pacemaker to make your heart beat properly. 

To get your heartbeat back on track and protect your health, call the nearest ARK Cardiovascular & Arrhythmia Center, or click on the provided link for atrial fibrillation help today.