Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. This heart condition affects millions of Americans, and Indiana’s AFib rates are well above the national average of one to two percent. The state also has high rates of heart disease, obesity, tobacco use and diabetes – all risk factors for AFib. Other risk factors include alcohol abuse, family history of AFib, advanced age, thyroid disease, lung disease and sleep apnea.

At Goshen Heart & Vascular Center, we are a team of highly trained experts who are committed to the well-being of our community.

Talk to your primary care provider about a heart screening if you have AFib risk factors. Or, if you want to talk to someone at the Heart & Vascular Center, call (574) 537-5000 to make an appointment.

Recognizing AFib symptoms

While some people with atrial fibrillation don’t experience symptoms at all, others describe AFib as feeling like your heart is fluttering in your chest. You may not even know you have AFib until your doctor finds it during a screening or physical exam. AFib symptoms may come and go, lasting a few minutes or a few hours.

Signs of AFib include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Difficulty exercising (easily winded)
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Weakness

If you have chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack, seek immediate medical care or call 911.

The latest tools to diagnose and treat AFib

When you come to Goshen Heart & Vascular Center, your cardiologist will consider your risk factors, physical exam and health history to help diagnose AFib. We may also use these tests:

• EKG (electrocardiogram)
• Echocardiogram
• Stress testing
• Holter monitor or event monitor

The goal of AFib treatment is to reset your heart’s rhythm, control your heart rate and prevent blood clots, which can cause a stroke. Possible treatment options include medication, catheter ablation, maze surgery and electrical, pharmacologic or chemical cardioversion.

Built with our community in mind, our new electrophysiology (EP) lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies to treat arrhythmias like AFib. Here, our electrophysiologists have the tools to perform minimally invasive, image-guided heart procedures with leading-edge expertise and precision. In addition, our 3-D mapping system allows us to get a clear image of your heart and reduce the number of X-rays needed, lowering your exposure to radiation.

If you are looking for compassionate care for atrial fibrillation, see an expert at Goshen Heart & Vascular Center. Call (574) 537-5000 to make an appointment.