ATRIAL FIBRILLATION TREATMENT |arrhythmia|arrhythmia|heart arrhythmia|cardiac arrhythmias Without any treatment, atrial fibrillation can occur as a problem by itself – that is, unrelated to any other heart condition or disease. In such cases, it can be treated with medication or with catheter ablation by a cardiac electrophysiologist or with a surgical procedure by a cardiac surgeon. Atrial fibrillation is also associated with chronic fatigue and heart failure – where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the other organs. Fortunately, these risks can be reduced dramatically if they are monitored and treated. By working closely together, patients and doctors can choose the most appropriate course of care for the atrial fibrillation treatment.Atrial fibrillation treatment in this manner has a positive impact on the patient's lifestyle and reduces the potential for stroke. It also reduces the patient's need for anti-arrhythmic and anti-coagulant medications as well as the side effects associated with them. Atrial fibrillation treatment can also occur along with other types of cardiac conditions, for example, heart valve disease. Since atrial fibrillation is associated with greater treatment costs and greater risk of death, surgeons treat it when the patient undergoes mitral valve surgery. The primary factors determining atrial fibrillation treatment are duration and evidence of hemodynamic instability. Cardioversion is indicated with new onset atrial fibrillation (for less than 48 hours) and with hemodynamic instability. If rate and rhythm control can not be maintained by atrial fibrillation treatment. The main goals of atrial fibrillation treatment are to prevent temporary circulatory instability and to prevent stroke. Rate and rhythm control are principally used to achieve the former, while anticoagulation may be required to decrease the risk of the latter.[11] In emergencies, when circulatory collapse is imminent due to uncontrolled tachycardia, immediate cardioversion may be indicated. |
