|
|
|
Atrial Fibrillation Program
Specialized Care for Atrial Fibrillation Patients
Atrial fibrillation (also known as atrial fib, A-fib or AF) is the most common arrhythmia or heart rhythm abnormality, affecting more than 2 million people in the United States each year, most over the age of 60. Atrial fib is responsible for 15-20 percent of all strokes because of its tendency to cause blood clots. For this and many other reasons, effective treatment for A-fib is imperative.
With atrial fibrillation, the electrical signals in the atria (the two small chambers of the heart) fire fast and chaotically, causing the atria to quiver instead of contract. As a result, electrical signals then arrive in the ventricles in an irregular fashion, causing a rapid and disorganized heartbeat. Additionally, when the atria do not contract effectively, blood may pool and/or clot, putting the patient at higher risk for stroke. Patients with A-fib feel strange heartbeat sensations, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, shortness of breath and other symptoms. Learn more about atrial fibrillation.
|
Kimberly Kane interviews Marcie Berger, MD, FACC Medical College of Wisconsin Cardiac Electrophysiologist about atrial fibrillation, including causes, risk factors and treatment options. |
Experts in Arial Fibrillation Diagnosis and TreatmentPhysician specialists at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin offer a unique approach for patients with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter (a quick heartbeat that can lead to atrial fibrillation), offering comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care.
Hybrid, Team Approach to Patient CareAtrial fibrillation is a complex disease, best treated by a team of specialists working together to look at each patient’s care needs from all angles, as is the case at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin. Physicians may recommend several different treatment approaches depending on what is right for the patient. And, because the team is part of an academic medical center, patients have access to the latest diagnostic and treatment procedures.
Exceptional Physician SpecialistsPatients benefit from the combined expertise of the multidisciplinary team of arrhythmia physician specialists, including electrophysiologists (cardiologists trained in heart rhythm disorders), heart surgeons, cardiologists and other specialists assembled based on the patient’s condition. Learn more about our exceptional staff.
ResearchBecause we are a leading academic medical center, research is central to our work. Medical College of Wisconsin physicians are continually participating in and conducting significant research studies to further understand the causes of atrial fibrillation and identify innovative treatments. Our patients can participate in local and national clinical trials, which can give them access to the latest treatment options for atrial fibrillation.
Comprehensive DiagnosticsThe Heart and Vascular Center at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin offers a full range of imaging techniques and diagnostic studies to diagnose atrial fibrillation. Tests are conducted by electrophysiologists and other physicians who specialize in heart rhythm conditions. Learn more about diagnostic procedures for arrhythmia.
Treating Atrial FibrillationFor many patients, a wide variety of treatments are available for atrial fibrillation, including medications, cardioversion and other procedures. When more aggressive treatment is required physicians may recommend catheter ablation or CryoMaze or maze surgery to eliminate the source of the irregular heart rhythm. The newly available cryoballoon ablation procedure is also offered at Froedert.
Author: Kathy Allen | Medical Reviewer: | Jason Rubenstein, MD |
Last Review Date: April 10, 2012 Online Editor(s): Kathryn Adam |
|
|