What Are the Treatments for Atrial Fibrillation?

According to the American Heart Association, atrial fibrillation occurs in about 2.2 million Americans. Atrial fibrillation is caused when the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart are unable to pump efficiently. This causes blood to collect in these chambers, where it may clot, and the person is then at an increased risk of stroke. Fortunately, there are several treatment options for this condition.

Medications

• Some medications can be prescribed to try and correct the abnormal beating. The American Heart Association reports that these medications can include: Beta blockers such as atenolol, metoprolol and propranolol. It may also be necessary to use anticoagulants to reduce the risk of blood clots causing a stroke. In addition, intravenous drugs such as ibutilide can also be used to restore the heart's regular rhythm. However, these types of drugs can only be given under a physician's direct supervision.

Electric Shock

• In severe cases, when the patient's life is at risk, electrical shock may be needed. The patient is unconscious when the shock is delivered and is only done after medication has failed. It is usually enough to correct the person's irregular rhythm. However, if it is unsuccessful, other options such as placing a pacemaker, ablation or even surgery can be utilized.

Electronic Device

• Some people have problems with repeated episodes of atrial fibrillation. For these individuals, it may be necessary to treat this problem by simply implanting an atrial pacemaker just under the skin near the collarbone. The pacemaker will monitor the heart rhythm, and when it detects an irregular rhythm, it will deliver a mild shock.

Catheter Ablation

• Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure usually done in a cardiac catheterization lab. According to the American Heart Association, the procedure is done by inserting a flexible tube through a blood vessel and directing it toward the heart muscle. Once positioned, a burst of radiofrequency wave is delivered to the area to destroy any tissue that may be causing the irregular rhythm to occur.

Surgical Ablation

• In cases where no other treatment methods have worked, surgical ablation may be necessary. It is more invasive then catheter ablation, but according to the University of Chicago Hospital, it has a 75 to 90 percent cure rate. The procedure is done by making two small incisions and inserting a videoscope that allows the physician to see the area where the ablation should be performed. This type of surgery can be done while the heart is still beating and does not require the use of a heart and lung machine.