Atrial Fibrillation

When you have atrial fibrillation, or AFib, the upper chambers of your heart are out of sync with the lower chambers. Blood doesn’t flow like it should and you’re at risk for stroke and other complications.

The electrophysiologists within the Henry Ford Heart & Vascular team treat all forms of AFib. We can help you enjoy your healthiest life and reduce your risk of AFib-related trouble.

Henry Ford Health for AFib care: Why choose us?

Our heart rhythm experts have delivered top care to Michiganders for more than 20 years. Our AFib care includes:

• Convenience: We make it easy to reach our clinics, with locations throughout Michigan. If you experience more severe AFib, you can get care at the Henry Ford Atrial Fibrillation Center at our main campus, Henry Ford Hospital.
• Fast diagnosis and treatment: We can see new patients within several days. Our clinics include electrophysiologists — doctors who treat arrhythmias — and specialized nurses focused on AFib care.
• Medical partnerships: Our team works closely with your primary care doctor, so you can return to your local provider after your condition improves.
• Comprehensive follow-up care: If you need a pacemaker or other device , our Device Clinic provides ongoing care and monitoring to keep you healthy.

Who is at risk for AFib?

Atrial fibrillation can occur at any age, but your risk increases as you get older. AFib is most common in people over 60.

Other risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease or heart surgery
• Chronic conditions such as hyperthyroidism, kidney disease or lung disease
• Moderate to heavy alcohol use
• Obesity
• Sleep apnea

Types of AFib

There are several types of atrial fibrillation:

• Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Episodes last more than a day but less than a week. Symptoms may be mild or severe and can start and stop suddenly.
• Persistent atrial fibrillation: Symptoms last longer than a week and usually require treatment.
• Permanent atrial fibrillation: Symptoms are ongoing and do not fully resolve. We work with you to control symptoms and reduce complications.

Symptoms of AFib

Some people with AFib may not have any symptoms. Others may experience:

• Chest pain
• Heart failure
• Heart palpitations or fluttering in the chest
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Shortness of breath

Connection between AFib and stroke

Because AFib affects blood flow in the heart, it can cause blood clots that may lead to a stroke.

We can lower your stroke risk with treatments such as left atrial appendage (LAA) closure . We use small devices or surgery to close off a small pouch and prevent clots from leaving your heart. Even with these procedures, you may need additional AFib treatment to relieve symptoms.

AFib diagnosis

Our AFib clinics offer fast appointments, usually within a few days. We take the time to listen and understand your symptoms and overall health.

We perform a complete physical exam and evaluate lifestyle factors that may affect AFib.

We test your heart’s electrical activity in dedicated electrophysiology (EP) labs. Using specialized equipment, our team pinpoints the source of AFib. Learn more about what happens during an EP study .

Other common tests include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Provides a quick snapshot of your heart’s electrical activity.
• Heart rhythm monitoring: Tracks your heart over time using heart rhythm monitoring .

AFib treatment

We provide prompt, comprehensive treatment through our AFib clinics.

It’s important that you understand your options. In many cases, multiple therapies may be equally effective.

Treatment options may include:

• Medications: Drugs to control heart rate or rhythm. Learn more about arrhythmia medications .
• Cardioversion: Uses an electrical shock to reset heart rhythm. Learn more about cardioversion .
• Ablation: A minimally invasive procedure using 3D imaging to treat problematic heart tissue. Learn more about ablation .
• Pacemaker: A small implanted device to regulate heart rhythm. Learn more about pacemakers .