Atrial fibrillation is a form of an abnormal heartbeat, which can greatly put you in danger of having a stroke or heart attack. Upper East Side atrial fibrillation specialist, Dr. Satjit Bhusri, MD offers top-level care, utilizing the most advanced technologies, innovative cardiology techniques, and a personal experience as one patient who successfully recovered from a heart failure. Dr. Bhusri effectively offers services to patients across the New York Community. So, next time you experience alarming symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or a fast heartbeat, call the Upper East Side Cardiology office or go online to schedule a consultation.
What Is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent type of irregular heartbeat or heart arrhythmia. Once you experience atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of your heart, known as the atria, beat rapidly. Therefore, your heart rate speeds up, causing these two upper chambers not to beat in coordination with the two lower chambers.
What Is the Cause of Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation develops once the heart tissue is infected or the heart’s electrical impulses start malfunctioning. Chronic health issues and cardiovascular conditions that often result in atrial fibrillation include heart valve disease, high blood pressure, congenital heart defects, inflamed heart muscles (myocarditis), heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy), clogged arteries (coronary artery disease), and overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Some chronic conditions such as sleep apnea, obesity, and diabetes also put one at risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation?
The most prevalent symptoms of atrial fibrillation include dizziness or fainting, fatigue, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and palpitations (sensations of your heart fluttering or racing). The more your condition is left untreated, the higher the chances that you will experience other adverse complications such as heart failure, heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.
How To Treat Atrial Fibrillation?
The team of cardiology specialists at Upper East Side Cardiology first discuss with the patient their symptoms, and run physical examinations, before performing various diagnostic procedures. For instance, a patient may require an echocardiogram or electrocardiogram, both of which are performed from the convenience of their office during your appointment.
After getting an accurate diagnosis, your select provider develops a customized treatment plan based on the adversity of your symptoms and the type of atrial fibrillation you are experiencing. Some of the available treatment options offered include:
- Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle adjustments such as a regular exercising routine and a heart-healthy diet do a great job in protecting your heart and treating or preventing underlying health problems like diabetes and hypertension.
- Medications
Patients may also require medications to address hidden health problems like hypertension and high cholesterol levels. Your cardiologist might also recommend medications to prevent blood clots and manage your heart rate.
- Minimally Invasive Treatments
The specialists at Upper East Side Cardiology also provide minimally invasive services to treat atrial fibrillation. These include Pacemaker implantation to manage your heart rate, Catheter ablation to remove faulty electrical tissues, left atrial appendage closure to avoid blood clots, and Cardioversion to restore the usual heart rhythm.
That said, Upper East Side Cardiology is a cutting-edge cardiology practice. Do not hesitate to seek expert care if you notice any palpitation or other signs of atrial fibrillation. Schedule an appointment today through your mobile device or use the online booking tool.