Heart rhythm and AFib care in Wisconsin

AFib is the most commonly treated heart arrhythmia and can increase risk of stroke and heart failure. A heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, is when your heart rhythm is either too fast or too slow. The first step in getting the care you need is to start a conversation with your doctor about new symptoms, health history and risk for heart disease. Your doctor starts with advanced diagnostics and may connect you to an electrophysiologist who delivers advanced care for heart rhythm disorders.

AFib can happen over a short period of time or be a permanent heart condition. Risk factors for AFib increase with age and high blood pressure. AFib can also be present with or without symptoms. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns. Your doctor may recommend an EKG to evaluate your heart rhythm. If you have already been diagnosed with AFib, talk to your doctor about medications to help regulate your heartbeat or prevent blood clots that may lead to stroke. Electrophysiologists may perform the latest non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments, such as:

• Ablation
• Cardioversion
• Implanted pacemaker
• Ventricular assist device
• WATCHMAN™ device

AFib is a progressive heart condition that ranges from short and infrequent episodes to a permanent heart condition. The four types of AFib include:

• Paroxysmal AFib - a brief episode that lasts less than 24 hours or up to a week
• Persistent AFib - lasts more than a week and may need additional treatment to regulate heartbeat
• Long-standing persistent AFib - lasts more than a year without improving
• Permanent AFib - when AFib does not get better with treatment

Symptoms of AFib vary and can include:

• Chest pain
• Extreme fatigue
• Heart palpitations (rapid, fluttering, or pounding)
• Irregular heartbeat
• Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath

Don’t wait when you have concerns about your heart. Start a conversation with your doctor if you have symptoms of AFib.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that measures your heart’s electrical activity. This includes your heart rate and heart rhythm. Your doctor uses an EKG to detect a normal or irregular heartbeat. A rapid or irregular heartbeat is a symptom of AFib or another heart arrhythmia. An EKG may be part of your annual physical exam and a common test during a cardiology appointment.

AFib treatment often begins with medicines to control the heart's rhythm and rate. Treatment may also begin with blood-thinning medicine that can help prevent blood clots from forming and help reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. Healthy lifestyle changes can also help manage AFib symptoms. Minimally invasive procedures may be the recommended treatment for an irregular heartbeat, including ablation, cardioversion, implanted pacemaker and other devices such as the WATCHMAN™. As your heart care needs change, get the care that’s right for you, from routine heart care to advanced heart care. You’ll find that managing long-term and chronic heart care needs is easier with a team to support you.

Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive option for treating AFib. During the procedure, your doctor uses a catheter to target the abnormal cells causing your arrhythmia. There are two types of catheter ablation: radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation. Radiofrequency ablation uses heat, while cryoablation uses cold to destroy abnormal cells affecting your heartbeat. Talk to your doctor about your AFib symptoms and what is right for your care plan.

Find a doctor by calling or scheduling an appointment online. Ask if a virtual visit is an option for your care. Need a second opinion appointment? Our team can help. Schedule a consultation today.