So you were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation — which, in simple terms, is a heart condition that involves irregular heartbeat and decreased blood flow to the lower chambers of the heart. Although your heart specialist will proceed with adequate treatment, you might still be worrisome regarding the effectiveness of their procedure. After all, AFib insinuates that there is a problem with your heart, and that can be a pretty scary thought. So, can atrial fibrillation be cured?
The truth is there is no definite cure for atrial fibrillation as of yet. Your healthcare provider can manage the condition using medications and other treatments, but a permanent cure has not been discovered yet. In this blog, we will take a look at the possible treatment for AFib.
Is There a Cure for Atrial Fibrillation?
If you have atrial fibrillation, it means that the upper chambers of your heart have an irregular heartbeat. In addition, the blood flow from the aria to the lower heart chambers is also affected. The condition could be severe or minor, depending on the cause. While some individuals experience AFib in brief episodes, others could develop it as a permanent condition.
The atrial fibrillation treatment your heart specialist opts for will be chosen after assessing your condition. Although the treatment plans help control the rhythm before it causes serious complications, they do not eliminate the condition entirely. In short, there is no permanent cure for atrial fibrillation, just techniques to effectively reduce the symptoms. In case the cause of AFib is identified and treatable, there might be some hope that this condition will not develop after treatment.
Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
The good news is: there are multiple treatment options for AFib. Your doctor can help you improve your condition by suggesting the best method of treatment for you. Below, you will find s list of some common procedures to manage atrial fibrillation:
1. Stroke Prevention
AFib, in some cases, can result in severe medical events such as stroke. Therefore, the doctor might recommend blood-thinning medications to lower the risk of blood clots. Nonetheless, blood thinners can increase the possibility of bleeding. Your healthcare provider will advise you to cut back on activities that can result in injuries.
In simple terms, the specialist will discuss stroke prevention techniques with you to prevent strokes. This method will involve blood thinners and some lifestyle changes.
2. Heart Rate Control
You may often find your heart racing with atrial fibrillation. Hence, your heart specialist will prescribe medications to control the pulse rate. With the help of these medications, the impulses passing the AV node will be slowed down. Since AV nodes are the electrical bridge between the upper and lower heart chambers, they will successfully slow your pulse rate too. As a result, you will notice a decrease in the stress on your heart due to AFib.
3. Rhythm Control
Rhythm control is where a heart specialist plays a major role. They will use one of the following techniques to keep your rhythm normal:
- Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy
- Cardioversion
- Catheter Ablation
- Pacemaker & Ablation
Fix the Rhythm of Your Heart!
In conclusion, atrial fibrillation has many treatments but no permanent cure. If the condition causing AFIb is permanently treated, there’s a slight chance of eliminating it for good. At Atrial Fibrillation Centers Of America, we have the skills you need to keep your heartbeat in check. Contact us now at (832) 478-5067 or give us a visit at 13325 Hargrave Rd. Suite 280, Houston, TX 77070.