Arrhythmias

Learn what cardiac arrest is, what the risks are for it, and what you should do if you notice someone having cardiac arrest.

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. It may feel like fluttering or a brief pause. It may be so brief that it doesn't change your heart rate (the number of times per minute that your heart beats). Or it can cause the heart rate to be too slow or too fast. Some arrhythmias don't cause any symptoms. Others can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy. © AHA

Disorders in the heart's electrical system can lead to arrhythmias, or an abnormal heart rhythm. There are many types of arrhythmias and they're classified by where they occur in the heart and their pattern of abnormality. This segment will explain the arrhythmia known as Atrial Fibrillation.

Viewers will learn what steps they should take to manage their atrial fibrillation at home.

If you've been diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation and you're under the care of a cardiologist, take the medications prescribed for you, and you make lifestyle changes where needed so you can live the best quality life possible.

When diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, the first line treatment that cardiologists typically recommend is medications. However, over time the medications may no longer be effective or may not provide symptom relief. In these cases your health care provider may recommend a heart procedure known as catheter ablation.

Atrial fibrillation causes the heart to beat out of rhythm. To get the heart beating normally again, sometimes the heart is 'shocked' into normal rhythm. The idea of shocking the heart may be intimidating, but it's actually a quick and painless procedure.

John Criswell explains atrial fibrillation, it's symptoms, causes, and the importance of treating it.

John Criswell explains atrial fibrillation, it's symptoms, causes, and the importance of treating it.

Dr. Emilia Benjamin describes risk for complications from atrial fibrillation (AFib) and ways to start reducing those risks today.

Understanding your treatment options is very important. To help make a decision, it is always helpful to identify what problem you are trying to solve.

As captain of their healthcare team, Dr. Mark Estes encourages patients to take an active role in managing their health.

Dr. Mark Estes shares how taking initiative to change your lifestyle can make a significant impact in your length and quality of life.

John Criswell shares his experience of being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib) and how he manages his disease to live the most active, healthy life.

Marci Wilson shares how she lives with atrial fibrillation and encourages you to motivate yourself to stay healthy and take care of your heart.

Electrophysiology (EP) studies are tests done to find out why your heart isn't beating in a regular way. These tests study the electrical activity in your heart. They are also called cardiac mapping. The results can help your health care team find where an arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) is coming from and determine the best treatment for you. © AHA

In atrial fibrillation, or AFib, the heart's two small upper chambers (atria) beat irregularly and too fast, quivering instead of contracting properly. During AFib, some blood may not be pumped efficiently from the atria into the ventricles. Blood that's left behind can pool in the atria and form blood clots. © AHA