Atrial fibrillation can cause a heart attack or stroke, making early detection and treatment crucial. At Sunnyvale Cardiology in Sunnyvale, Texas, cardiologists Prasad Maddukuri, MD, FACC, MRCP, and Larry Moore, MD, FACC, test for and treat atrial fibrillation to reduce symptoms and lower your risk of complications. If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or other symptoms of atrial fibrillation, schedule an appointment with Sunnyvale Cardiology by phone or online today.
Atrial fibrillation is a heart arrhythmia, or a problem with the speed or rhythm of your heartbeat. It’s caused by a disorder of your heart’s electrical system. Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include:
Atrial fibrillation might be occasional or persistent. Complications associated with the disease include heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.
The cause of atrial fibrillation isn’t always entirely clear. It might be due to heart abnormalities or damage caused by:
Risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation include older age, heart disease, obesity, excessive alcohol use, and family history of atrial fibrillation.
Your doctor reviews your medical history, completes a physical exam, and uses blood tests, imaging tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG), or other heart tests to diagnose your condition.
Your atrial fibrillation treatment might include taking medications that control your heart rate or rhythm, or medicines that prevent blood clots. Your doctor may recommend electrically shocking your heart or surgical procedures to correct atrial fibrillation.
You can’t always prevent atrial fibrillation, but there are several things you can do to lower your risk of developing it. Examples include:
Regular follow-up appointments with your cardiologist are crucial so he can monitor atrial fibrillation and make sure your treatment is working as it should. Call to schedule an appointment with Sunnyvale Cardiology at the first sign of atrial fibrillation or book an appointment online today.