Lake Champlain Cardiology Associates
52 Tom Miller Rd., Plattsburgh, NY 12901  (518) 563-2404
www.lccahearts.com

Atrial Fibrillation

Normally, your heart contracts and relaxes at a regular beat.  Your heart beats because certain cells in you heart make electric signals that cause the heart to contract and pump blood.  These electrical signals show up on an ECG. 

In atrial fibrillation, part of the heart doesn’t beat the way it should.  Instead of beating in a regular, normal pattern, part of the heart beats irregularly and too fast.  It’s important for the heart to pump properly, because that’s how your body gets the oxygen and food it needs.

You can live with atrial fibrillation, but if not properly treated it can cause heart failure or a stroke. 

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

1. Irregular and rapid heartbeat
2. Heart palpitations or rapid thumping inside the chest
3. Dizziness, sweating and chest pain or pressure
4. Shortness of breath, anxiety
5. Tiring more easily when exercising
6. Fainting

Treatment

1. Sometimes it can be corrected with an electric shock which may change the beat of your heart back to normal.
2. Some medications may be used to slow the heart rate or convert it to normal.

- Occasionally pacemakers or catheter based treatments may be recommended.