Atrial Fibrillation Treatment

For some people who only experience occasional episodes of atrial fibrillation, treatment may be as simple as avoiding things that aggravate the condition (such as tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine). In more serious cases of atrial fibrillation, treatment options may include medication, electrical cardioversion, and surgery. While atrial fibrillation is usually not life threatening, it can lead to more serious conditions, such as a stroke. Even if your atrial fibrillation does not require treatment, careful monitoring of the condition can prevent it from worsening.

 

Atrial Fibrillation Treatment: An Overview

Atrial fibrillation treatment recommendations will vary based on several factors. Your atrial fibrillation treatment options depend partly on your symptoms of atrial fibrillation, how severe they are, and how much they interfere with your life. They also depend on whether or not some other underlying disease is causing the atrial fibrillation.
 
The goals of atrial fibrillation treatment usually include one or more of the following:
 
  • Return the heartbeat to a normal sinus rhythm, if possible
  • Control the heart rate
  • Prevent blood clots from forming by prescribing an anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication, such as Coumadin®
  • Treat the underlying causes of the abnormal rhythm and any complications of atrial fibrillation
  • Reduce the risk factors that may lead to a worsening of the condition.
     

Atrial Fibrillation Treatment for Occasional Symptoms

For people who have occasional episodes of atrial fibrillation (and no other health concerns associated with it) the atrial fibrillation treatment may be only to avoid the things that can cause atrial fibrillation or make it worse, such as:
 
  • Stress
  • Tobacco products
  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol.
     
(Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD