Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm originating in the atria. It is the most common irregular heart rhythm in the United States. Instead of the impulse traveling in an orderly fashion through the heart, many impulses begin and spread through the atria and compete for a chance to travel through the AV node. This causes a rapid and disorganized heartbeat. The rate of impulses through the atria can range from 300 to 600 beats per minute.
How is it treated?
Many types of arrhythmias can be controlled by medication. Some can be cured by relatively noninvasive means through cardiac catheterization. However, those that are more serious may require more extensive treatment, including surgery. In some cases, treatment for the rhythm problem can be combined with surgery for other heart problems. There are many treatments available, such as specialized incisions, cryoablation (freezing), radio frequency ablation and ultrasonic ablation techniques. Dr. Messner will evaluate each patient to determine the best treatment.
The AV node limits the number of impulses it allows to travel to the ventricles.
Most Common Causes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disease
- After heart surgery
- Chronic lung disease
- Heart failure
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congenital heart disease
- Pulmonary embolism
Less Common Causes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Pericarditis
- Viral infection
