Understanding Your Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Options

Overview

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart rhythm disorder that can be managed through various treatment approaches. This guide explores your available options.

Treatment Goals

• Prevent blood clots and stroke
• Control heart rate
• Restore normal heart rhythm
• Treat underlying conditions
• Improve quality of life

Main Treatment Categories

1. Medications

Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants)

• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)
  • Apixaban (Eliquis)
  • Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
  • Dabigatran (Pradaxa)

Rate Control Medications

• Beta blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Digoxin

Rhythm Control Medications

• Amiodarone
• Flecainide
• Propafenone

2. Procedures

Electrical Cardioversion

• Brief electrical shock to reset heart rhythm
• Outpatient procedure under sedation

Catheter Ablation

• Minimally invasive procedure
• Creates scar tissue to block irregular signals
• Success rate: 60-80%

Surgical Options

• MAZE procedure
• Left atrial appendage closure

Lifestyle Modifications

• Regular exercise
• Heart-healthy diet
• Stress management
• Limited alcohol intake
• Smoking cessation

Follow-up Care

• Regular monitoring
• Medication adjustments
• Risk factor management
• Ongoing communication with healthcare team