Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is indeed an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia that can lead to various complications. In a normal heart rhythm, the electrical signals coordinate the contractions of the atria and ventricles, allowing for efficient blood flow. However, in atrial fibrillation, the atria beat in a rapid and chaotic manner, causing them to quiver instead of contracting properly. This results in an irregular rhythm and disrupts the coordination with the ventricles.
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Atrial Fibrillation and Treatment Options <p><a href="https://heartfailurenow.com/local/cardiologist-1">Cardiologist</a><a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/practitioner-type/cardiologist">,</a> discusses <a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/topics/heart-health/atrial-fibrillation">atrial fibrillation</a> treatment options.</p>Cardiologist, discusses atrial fibrillation treatment options.
Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Options
There are two primary treatment strategies for AF: rate control and rhythm control.Rate control focuses on managing the rapid and irregular heartbeat associated with AF. The goal is to slow down the heart rate to a more normal range, typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute at rest. Medications such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin are commonly used to achieve rate control. Slowing down the heart rate can help relieve symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue.