Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Options in Cardiology

Atrial fibrillation, commonly referred to as AFib, is a heart condition that requires a multi-faceted treatment approach. The primary goal of treatment is to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and in some cases, restore the heart's normal rhythm.

Managing Symptoms

One of the main focuses in treating AFib is addressing the symptoms experienced by patients. A common symptom is a rapid heartbeat, which can be controlled through medication designed to slow the heart rate. These medications help improve patient comfort and overall heart function.

Preventing Complications

AFib increases the risk of serious complications, particularly arterial embolism, which can lead to stroke. To prevent blood clots from forming, doctors often prescribe anticoagulant medications. These drugs are essential in reducing the risk of clot-related events and are a critical part of long-term AFib management.

Seeking a Definitive Cure

For patients seeking a more permanent solution, radiofrequency ablation is currently the only known curative treatment for atrial fibrillation. This procedure involves targeting and destroying the abnormal heart tissue responsible for the irregular rhythm, offering the potential for long-term or even permanent relief from AFib.

Pharmacological Rhythm Control

If a patient is hesitant about undergoing surgery, pharmacological cardioversion may be considered as an alternative. This involves using medications to convert AFib back to a normal sinus rhythm. However, the effectiveness of drug therapy is limited, with success rates estimated at around 20-30%.

Understanding Medication Risks

It's also important to note that many rhythm-control medications carry significant risks. For example, amiodarone (also known as Cordarone) can cause side effects affecting multiple organs including the thyroid, liver, skin, lungs, and corneas. Long-term use or excessive accumulation of this drug in the body can potentially lead to serious conditions such as interstitial lung fibrosis.