Atrial Fibrillation

Cardiology, Cardiac Electrophysiologists, General Cardiology, Cardiology, Cardiologists & Cardiologist to Women's Health & Cardiology located in Lanham, Bowie, Camp Springs, Largo and Laurel, MD

Atrial Fibrillation services offered in Lanham, Bowie, Camp Springs, Largo and Laurel, MD

If you have frequent heart palpitations or often feel dizzy, you may have atrial fibrillation. To diagnose an irregular heart rhythm, Capitol Cardiology Associates offers advanced cardiac testing services in-office, so you can get the treatment you need without delay. The experienced cardiologists can treat atrial fibrillation with medications or surgery to lower your risk for complications like heart failure and stroke. Call the office in Lanham, Bowie, Camp Springs, Silver Spring, Laurel, or Largo, Maryland, to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for atrial fibrillation or book a consultation online today.

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Atrial Fibrillation Q & A

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is an irregular and typically rapid heart rhythm. This condition causes the upper chambers of your heart (atria) to beat out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles).

The underlying cause of atrial fibrillation can include structural problems in your heart. You may also be at higher risk for the condition due to:

Heart valve dysfunction
Coronary artery disease
High blood pressure
Viral infections
Thyroid disease
History of heart attack or heart surgery

Without treatment, atrial fibrillation can cause blood clots to form in your heart. It can also increase your risk for heart failure, stroke, and other potentially life-threatening complications.

When should I seek treatment for atrial fibrillation?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Capitol Cardiology Associates if you have symptoms of atrial fibrillation such as:

Heart palpitations
Rapid heartbeat
Chest pain
Persistent dizziness
Shortness of breath

The experienced cardiologists offer on-site cardiac testing, including electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram, and stress tests, to assess your heart’s function. They may also order blood tests to identify infections or thyroid disorders that contribute to atrial fibrillation.

Based on the results of your testing, your provider customizes a treatment plan to regulate your heartbeat and lower your risk for more serious complications.

How is atrial fibrillation treated?

Your treatment plan for atrial fibrillation depends on the severity of your symptoms and the root cause of your condition. The Capitol Cardiology Associates providers focus on restoring your heart’s rhythm and preventing potentially life-threatening blood clots.

Treatment may involve:

Medications

Medications are available to control your heartbeat and regulate its rhythm. You may also need to take blood thinners to lower your risk for blood clots.

Cardioversion therapy

Cardioversion is a procedure to reset your heart rhythm. Your provider may use paddles that deliver electric shocks into your heart to regulate your heart rhythm and rate. There are also medications that can reset your heart rhythm.

Surgery

If medications or cardioversion therapy isn’t enough to stabilize your heart’s rhythm, you may need surgery.

Your provider may perform a cardiac ablation, a procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to create scars in your heart tissue. The scars block abnormal electrical signals from your heart to restore its normal rhythm.

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of atrial fibrillation online or call the Capitol Cardiology Associates office near you today.