![]() This allows the pacemaker to “take over” and ensure that the heart beats regularly. A surgeon will sometimes place a pacemaker in a person with intermittent A-fib and ablate the native electrical system. Pacemaker placement: This device instructs the heart to beat regularly.Surgical ablation: Surgeons can also remove the heart tissue causing the irregular rhythm by carrying out a form of open-heart surgery called a maze procedure.The surgeon may need to repeat this procedure if A-fib returns. Catheter ablation: This destroys the tissue that is causing the irregular rhythm.Cardioversion will be possible after the clot has dissolved. If a clot is present, a doctor will prescribe anticoagulant medication for several weeks to dissolve it. A surgeon will carry out this procedure to ensure that no clots are present in the heart. This involves inserting a scope down the throat to produce an image of the heart. Before carrying out cardioversion, they may perform a transesophageal echocardiogram. This can reset the irregular rhythm to a regular beat. Electrical cardioversion: A surgeon will deliver a synchronized electric shock to the heart.Proceduresĭoctors sometimes recommend surgical procedures alongside medication, particularly if the person is due to have heart surgery for another health condition. However, even after the heart rhythm returns to normal, most people need to take blood-thinning medications. They include sodium channel blockers, such as flecainide (Tambocor), and potassium channel blockers, such as amiodarone (Pacerone). These so-called anti-arrhythmic medications can help convert A-fib into a regular heart rhythm or maintain a regular rhythm. This is called chemical, or pharmacological, cardioversion. Normalizing heart rhythmĭoctors may try to return the heart rhythm to normal using medication. Learn more about blood-thinning medications for heart problems. This is especially important during the treatment of other conditions and before surgeries. Some blood-thinning medications include direct-acting oral anticoagulants - such as apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), edoxaban (Lixiana), and dabigatran (Pradaxa) - and, less commonly, warfarin.Īnyone taking warfarin or another anti-clotting agent should make sure that any medical professionals who are treating them are aware of this medication. However, for most people, the benefits of preventing blood clots outweigh the risks of bleeding, particularly if the person is at risk of stroke.ĭoctors use the CHA2DS2-VASc score to evaluate the risk of stroke and establish whether a person is likely to benefit from taking blood thinners. Taking blood-thinning medications can increase a person’s risk of bleeding. These medications make it harder for blood to clot. digoxin (Lanoxin), which doctors now use more rarelyĪ doctor may prescribe anticoagulant medications, or blood thinners. ![]() calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem (Cardizem) and verapamil (Verelan).beta-blockers, such as metoprolol (Lopressor) and atenolol (Tenormin).Several medications can help by slowing signals that tell the heart to beat. If a person’s heart rate is high, bringing it down will prevent heart failure and potentially reduce the symptoms of A-fib. Prescription medicines can control a person’s heart rate, prevent clots from forming, and, for some people, normalize heart rhythm. Sometimes, doctors recommend a combination of treatments. ![]() Some people may only need medications, while others may need surgical procedures to stabilize their heart rhythm. How do doctors treat atrial fibrillation?ĭoctors tailor the treatments for A-fib so that they are suitable for the person’s age and lifestyle, heart health, and overall health.
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