Treatments for Atrial Fibrillation include both short-term and long-term approaches aimed at controlling or eliminating the abnormal heart rhythm associated with A-Fib.

Diagnostic Testing

Doctors have several technologies and diagnostic tests to aid them in evaluating your A-Fib. Go to Diagnostic Testing ->

Additional resources:
• VIDEO: An Introduction to Your Heart’s Electrical System & How Clots Form
• VIDEO: The Zio® XT Patch (iRhythm): Single-Use Ambulatory Cardiac Monitor
• Sleep Apnea: Home Testing Now Available
• A Primer: Ambulatory Heart Rhythm Monitors
• Guide to DIY Heart Rate Monitors & Handheld ECG Monitors (Part I) 
• Understanding the EKG Signal
• The CHADS2 Stroke-Risk Grading System

Mineral Deficiencies

A deficiency in minerals like magnesium or potassium can force the heart into fatal arrhythmias. When you have A-Fib, a sensible starting point is to check for chemical imbalances or deficiencies. Go to Mineral Deficiencies ->

Additional resources:
• VIDEO: The Best Way to Supplement Magnesium
• Frequently Asked Questions:Mineral Deficiencies & Supplements
• ‘Natural’ Supplements for a Healthy Heart
• Alternative Remedies and Tips
Homeopathic Remedies
Iron Overload or Lack of Iron
Acupuncture/Acupressure
Chiropractic Adjustment
Hypnosis
Patient Tips for Temporary Relief
• Acupuncture Helps A-Fib—Specific Acupuncture Sites Identified
• Low Serum Magnesium Linked with A-Fib

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Drug Therapies

Medications (drug therapies) for A-Fib patients are designed to regain and maintain normal heart rhythm, control the heart rate (pulse), and prevent stroke. Go to Drug Therapies ->

Additional resources:
• Frequently Asked Questions:Drug Therapies and Medicines
• Warfarin vs. Pradaxa and the Other New Anticoagulants
• Amiodarone: Most Effective and Most Toxic
• My Top 5 Articles About Warfarin Therapy, Associated Risks and Alternatives
• Watchman: the Alternative to Blood Thinners
• VIDEO: The Watchman Device: Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage Technique

Cardioversion

The goal of cardioversion is to restore your heart to normal rhythm. There are two types of cardioversion: chemical and electrical. Cardioversion through the use of drugs is called chemical cardioversion. Electrical cardioversion uses a timed electrical shock to restore normal rhythm. Go to Cardiversion ->

Additional resources:
• VIDEO: Dr. Bruce Janiak’s Cardioversion from Atrial Fibrillation
• VIDEO: Step-by-Step: Cardioversion Demonstration by ER Staff

Catheter Ablation

RF and CryoBalloon catheter ablation are minimally invasive procedures that block electrical signals which trigger erratic heart rhythms like Atrial Fibrillation. Go to Catheter Ablation ->

Additional resources: 
• VIDEO: When Drug Therapy Fails: Why Patients Consider Catheter Ablation
• Frequently Asked Questions: Catheter Ablation, Pulmonary Vein Isolation, CyroBalloon Ablation  
• Considering a Catheter Ablation? Know Complication Rates When Choosing Your Doctor 
• Recurrence of A-Fib After Successful Catheter Ablation 
• A Cryo Ablation Primer
• Bordeaux Procedures & Costs 

Cox Maze & Mini-Maze Surgeries & Hybrid Surgery/Ablation

The traditional open-heart Cox-Maze is usually performed concurrent with other heart disease treatments. More common are the various Mini-Maze surgeries which are stand-alone surgeries performed through small port-size incisions in the chest. Go to the Maze, Mini-Maze & Hybrid ->

Additional resources:
• VIDEO: The Maze Open-Heart Surgery (Concurrent Heart Surgery)
• VIDEO: Mini-Maze Ablation for Persistent A-Fib: With Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Dipin Gupta
• Advantages of the Convergent Procedure by Dr. James Edgerton
• Advances in Surgical Therapy for A-Fib by Dr. David Kess
• Role of the LAA & Removal Issues

Ablation of the AV Node and Implanting a Pacemaker

From a patient’s point of view, this is a procedure of last resort. By ablating or eliminating the AV Node, your Atrial Fibrillation signals can’t get to the ventricles which does stop your heart from racing and improves your Quality of Life. But you must have a permanent pacemaker implanted in your heart for the rest of your life to replace your AV Node functions. And what’s worse, you still have Atrial Fibrillation. Go to Ablation of the AV Node->

Pacemakers & ICDs

Pacemakers may be implanted for pacing support, or in conjunction with Ablation of the AV Node (see above). Implanting a pacemaker seems to be most helpful if you have a slow heart rate or pauses as a result of taking A-Fib medications. But be advised that pacemakers tend to have bad effects over the long term.

ICDs which shock the heart to return it to normal rhythm are not usually used in A-Fib. Some people describe an ICD shock as like a horse kicking you in the chest. Because A-Fib attacks can occur relatively frequently, repeated ICD shocks can be very painful and disruptive. Patients with ICDs often live in fear of the next shock. Most patients would rather have A-Fib than risk being shocked throughout the day and night. Go to Pacemakers & ICDs ->

Decisions About Treatment Options

When considering treatments for atrial fibrillation, you may ask,“Which is the best A-Fib treatment option for me?” This is a decision only you and your doctor can make. Here are some guidelines to help you. I’ve listed A-Fib conditions as patients might describe them. Select one (or more) that best describes your A-Fib and read your possible options. Go to Decision About Treatment Options ->

Remember…A-Fib is a progressive disease…

Don’t wait – Seek a CURE as soon as practical.
I Beat my A-Fib—So can You!

– Steve Ryan, former A-Fib patient

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If you find any errors on this page, email us. Y Last updated: Wednesday, April 28, 2021