Atrial Fibrillation (Afib)
Mercy Electrophysiologist Gives Heart Patient Her Life Back
With no history of heart problems, Gladys Drtina assumed she had COVID-19 when she had trouble breathing.
She was in disbelief that the issue was with her heart.
Read Gladys' story.
Electrophysiology is a specialized area of cardiology focusing on the treatment of heart rhythm abnormalities. We provide evaluation and treatment of people with known heart rhythm abnormalities, as well as syncope (fainting), and other symptoms that may suggest the presence of electrical problems in the heart. We also provide surgical implantation of devices that prevent sudden death from heart rhythm problems (defibrillators), and treat slow-beating hearts (pacemakers).
Atrial Fibrillation (Afib)
Atrial fibrillation is a type of heart arrhythmia affecting more than three million people in the U.S. It is a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat, causing the heart to beat quickly or irregularly. In atrial fibrillation, disorganized electrical signals originate in the heart’s upper chambers, or atria, which can be seen in an Electrocardiogram or “ECG.” Because contractions are not coordinated as in the normal heartbeat, the heart does not pump blood effectively to the rest of the body.
Signs & Symptoms of AFib
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Palpitations
- Chest pain
- Nothing (no signs presented)
AFib has been described as feeling like fish flopping, drums pounding or thunder rumbling in your chest.
Types of AFib
Paroxysmal: Comes and goes; usually stops on its own.
Persistent: Lasts more than one week; can become permanent
Permanent: Heart cannot be restored to normal rhythm
How It's Treated
Rate Control: Treatment to make sure the heart doesn’t beat too quickly during AFib.
Rhythm Control: Treatment to restore the heart’s rhythm to a normal state, and keep it there.
Anticoagulation Medication: Blood thinners given to reduce the risk of stroke.
Suggested Lifestyle Changes: Get regular exercise, eat a heart-healthy diet, don’t smoke, and be aware of alcohol and caffeine intake.
Mercy's Heart Center Provides:
- Diagnostic studies to determine the presence and nature of the heart rhythm abnormality
- Complex mapping and ablation (location of the abnormality and application of treatment)
- Implantation of a full range of pacemakers and internal defibrillators, including bi-ventricular devices used to treat patients with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure
- Tilt table testing and other neurophysiologic studies for individuals with syncope
- Implantation of internal recorders used to help detect difficult, intermittent symptoms likely related to heart rhythm abnormalities
- Non-invasive techniques for the evaluation of heart rhythm abnormalities include placement and interpretation of continuous Holter monitors
- Patient-activated event monitors
Long-term follow-up is available through our many convenient outreach sites.
Information has been provided by both the American College of Cardiology and the Heart Rhythm Society for educational purposes only. Please visit your healthcare provider regarding your specific health needs.
