Atrial Fibrillation Treatment for More Serious Cases
For more serious cases, there are a number of
atrial fibrillation treatment options available, including:
- Medication
- Electrical cardioversion, in which the rhythm of the heart is reset with an electrical shock
- Changes to diet and lifestyle
- Surgical procedures.
Things to Consider With Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
It's a good idea to follow whatever treatment plan your healthcare providers recommend, even if you have few or no
symptoms of atrial fibrillation. People who have atrial fibrillation and have no symptoms still have an increased risk of developing more serious health problems, such as a
stroke. While atrial fibrillation alone may not be life threatening, it should be monitored and the symptoms treated to help prevent other possible complications. You should learn how to take your pulse so that you can help monitor your condition. Ask your healthcare provider if you don't know how.
What If I Don't Receive Atrial Fibrillation Treatment?
It's always your choice whether or not to receive atrial fibrillation treatment. If you have symptoms and do not seek atrial fibrillation treatment, the symptoms may go away on their own -- or they may continue for the rest of your life.
While atrial fibrillation by itself is not usually life threatening, it can increase the likelihood that you'll develop more serious health problems. Atrial fibrillation increases your risk of developing blood clots and having a stroke. And without atrial fibrillation treatment, less serious forms of atrial fibrillation can progress to more serious forms -- or even cause
heart failure.
If you don't have any symptoms from your atrial fibrillation, you might not need any treatment. But the condition should still be monitored, and any symptoms that develop at a later time should be treated to help prevent possible complications.
It's important to discuss your situation with your doctor before making any important decisions about your health.
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print