Atrial Fibrillation. Treatment Options and Considerations

AFib Can Happen to Just About Anyone

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a condition that causes the small part of the heart (the atrium) to beat irregularly and extremely fast.¹ It is the most common type of treated arrhythmia in the U.S. today. It is also the leading cardiac cause of stroke.²

Contributing risk factors for AFib include advanced age, high blood pressure, underlying heart and lung disease, and increased alcohol consumption.³ Because AFib cases increase with age, and women generally live longer than men, more women than men experience AFib.⁴

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 6 million Americans have AFib. With the aging of the U.S. population, that number could double or triple by 2050.⁵

What Causes AFib To Occur

A person’s heartbeat (heart rate and rhythm) is controlled by their heart’s electrical system.

When working normally, special cells in the heart create electrical signals that travel along pathways to the chambers of the heart. Abnormal cells may create disorganized electrical signals that cause irregular or rapid heartbeat called arrhythmias.⁶

Heart arrhythmias can be caused by several factors. The right choice of treatment or therapy is based on both the individual patient and the type of rhythm disorder being treated. In some cases, medication may be prescribed. In others, a doctor may suggest ablation therapy.

Non-Medical Treatment Option for AFib

Catheter ablation is one type of heart ablation procedure used to treat irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

Ablation is a technique that strategically destroys the abnormal cells in a very small area of the heart’s muscle tissue without damaging the rest of the heart. Destroying the cell tissue restores the heart’s proper rhythm.

The types of catheter ablation include:⁷

• Radiofrequency ablation: Uses radiofrequency heat energy to destroy abnormal cells
• Cryoablation: Uses cold energy to freeze targeted abnormal cells

A close review by a Cardiologist of an individual’s situation and particular needs will be made to determine what options are most appropriate and available for consideration.

What to Expect During a Catheter Ablation Procedure

A Cooper and Inspira specialist — an interventional cardiologist — performs the procedure along with a team of nurses and technicians. The procedure is done in a hospital electrophysiology (EP) or cath (short for catheter) lab.

Once admitted, patients are prepped for the procedure with an IV line to receive anesthesia for pain and a sedative to relax. The cardiologist inserts a small tube (called a sheath) into a blood vessel or artery, usually in the groin or arm. The electrode catheter (a long, thin tube) is then inserted into the sheath. A video screen will show the position of the catheter.

To locate the abnormal tissue causing the arrhythmia, a small electrical impulse is sent through the catheter. This activates the abnormal tissue that is causing the irregular rhythm. Once the offending cells are identified, they are destroyed. The catheter and sheath are then removed from the vein or artery.⁸

Catheter ablation generally takes a few hours, or longer. The cardiologist will determine if the patient can go home same day, or if overnight is required for additional monitoring.⁹

Are There Risks with An Ablation Procedure

Catheter ablation is an increasingly common procedure for those with fast heartbeats (arrhythmias). Complications following the minimally invasive procedure are low. However possible risks while rare may include bleeding from the sheath or catheter insertion point, infection, blood clots, heart or blood vessel damage.¹⁰

Talk to your cardiologist about any questions or concerns you may have.

How Successful is Ablation for Treating AFib

Depending on the type of arrhythmia being treated, and a patient’s unique set of factors, catheter ablation can be a great option to consider. The overall success rate for the procedure is around 75 percent. Some people may need to have the procedure repeated if the first one was not effective. This boosts the success rate to 90 percent.¹¹

With some patients, the physician may want to suggest other treatments or advise staying on medications to help control the heartbeat from an arrhythmia management standpoint ongoing.¹²

AFib is an arrhythmia that can have serious consequences if not addressed. Recognizing the symptoms, early diagnosis and seeking treatment can improve outcomes. Talk to a healthcare provider. Ask what treatment options are best for you and your situation. At Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care, as a connected practice of specialists, we are here for you.

Schedule An Appointment

References

1. John Hopkins Medicine, Conditions and Diseases, “5 Things You Should Know about Atrial Fibrillation” (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/5-things-you-should-know-about-atrial-fibrillation)[↩]
2. Nesheiwat Z, Goyal A, Jagtap M. Atrial Fibrillation. [Updated 2023 Apr 26]. NIH, National Library of Medicine, Atrial Fibrillation (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526072/)[↩]
3. Nesheiwat Z, Goyal A, Jagtap M. Atrial Fibrillation. [Updated 2023 Apr 26]. NIH, National Library of Medicine, Atrial Fibrillation (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526072/)[↩]
4. CDC, Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Atrial Fibrillation Fact Sheet: (http://medbox.iiab.me/modules/en-cdc/www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_atrial_fibrillation.htm)[↩]
5. CDC, Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, Atrial Fibrillation Fact Sheet: (http://medbox.iiab.me/modules/en-cdc/www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_atrial_fibrillation.htm)[↩]
6. American Heart Association, “Ablation for Arrhythmias” — Nov 17, 2022: (https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/prevention — treatment-of-arrhythmia/ablation-for-arrhythmias)[↩]
7. Cleveland Clinic, “Catheter Ablation” — Oct 5, 2021: (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16851-catheter-ablation)[↩]
8. Cleveland Clinic, “Catheter Ablation” — Oct 5, 2021: (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16851-catheter-ablation)[↩]
9. American Heart Association, “Ablation for Arrhythmias” — Nov 17, 2022: (https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/prevention — treatment-of-arrhythmia/ablation-for-arrhythmias)[↩]
10. Cleveland Clinic, “Catheter Ablation” — Oct 5, 2021: (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16851-catheter-ablation)[↩]
11. Harvard Medical School, Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation — Nov 1, 2022: (https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/ablation-for-atrial-fibrillation)[↩]
12. John Hopkins Medicine, Catheter Ablation: (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/catheter-ablation)[↩]